Executive public procurement spend hits £2.4billion

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today highlighted the 2008–2009 public procurement expenditure figures.

Speaking at today’s Procurement Board meeting in Belfast, the Minister said: "The Executive recognises that during these difficult economic times, local businesses need as much help from Government as possible.

“Public procurement expenditure by Northern Ireland departments, their agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and public corporations, accounted for approximately £2.4billion of supplies, services and construction works in 2008-2009. This represents an increase of 9% (£200million) on the previous year.

“In particular the highest level of expenditure was reported in the area of construction and maintenance, which showed an increase of £104million from the previous year and provided much needed investment in the local economy.

“This is not just about spending money. It is about making a real impact on local communities in Northern Ireland through the delivery of new schools, roads and services.”

Speaking during the meeting, Des Armstrong, Director of Central Procurement Directorate (CPD), added: "The achievement of 96% of all public procurement spend being channelled through CPD and the Centres of Procurement Expertise highlights the increasingly important role procurement professionals play in driving best value for money in the delivery of better public services."

The Minister concluded: “Despite the current climate, the Executive continues to increase public procurement expenditure and invest in the public infrastructure of Northern Ireland.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Procurement Board meeting was held at Central Procurement Directorate, Clare House, Belfast. The Procurement Board is chaired by Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Minister for Finance and Personnel. Membership comprises the Permanent Secretaries of the 11 Northern Ireland Departments, the Treasury Officer of Accounts, the Director of Central Procurement Directorate and two external experts. The Board also has two observers representing the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Strategic Investment Board. The Board meets twice yearly.
2. Public procurement expenditure data is derived from information supplied by Departments (including their Agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and Public Corporations) via an annual survey and is based on the financial year 2008-2009.
3. Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy defines Best Value for Money as, "the optimum combination of whole life cost and quality (or fitness for purpose) to meet the customer’s requirements."
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