Why the Contract Register Exists
The Ashford Borough Council Contract Register is a public record that lists all significant contracts entered into by the council. It exists to promote openness, accountability and value for money in the delivery of local services. By publishing the details of contracts, residents, businesses and auditors can:
- See how public money is spent.
- Identify any potential conflicts of interest.
- Compare the terms of similar contracts.
- Raise concerns or ask questions about procurement decisions.
Legal and Policy Framework
The register is required under several pieces of legislation and policy:
- Transparency of Lobbying, etc. (Scotland) Act 2023 requires councils to publish details of contracts over a set value.
- Public Contracts Regulations 2015 implements EU procurement rules and sets thresholds for publishing contract notices.
- Local Government Act 2000 sets out duties for transparency and good financial management.
- Ashford Borough Councils Procurement Policy details internal procedures and thresholds for inclusion in the register.
What the Register Contains
Each entry on the register provides a concise snapshot of a contract. The typical columns are:
| Contract Title | Supplier | Value () | Start / End Dates | Contract Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Maintenance Phase 2 | North Kent Contractors Ltd | 1,250,000 | 01042024 31032026 | CT20240012 | Active |
| IT Support Services | TechSolutions UK | 420,000 | 01102023 30092025 | CT20230456 | Active |
| Cleaning Services Community Halls | CleanCo Services | 95,000 | 01012024 31122024 | CT20240098 | Pending |
Additional details such as a brief description of the contracts purpose, the procurement method (open tender, restricted, direct award etc.), and links to the original tender documents are provided where space allows.
How to Access the Register
The register is published on the councils website and can be accessed in two ways:
- Webpage view A searchable table with filter options for contract value, supplier, status or date range.
- Downloadable CSV A complete export of the register for offline analysis. The file is updated monthly and includes a version number.
All information is supplied under the Open Government Licence, allowing reuse with appropriate attribution.
Keeping the Register Current
The councils Procurement Team is responsible for updating the register. The process follows a set timetable:
- Monthly refresh New contracts and amendments are entered by the 10th of each month.
- Quarterly audit An internal audit checks for completeness and accuracy.
- Annual review The register is compared against the councils financial statements and the external audit report.
If a contract is amended, the original entry is retained for historical reference and a new line is added showing the amendment date and changes in value.
Benefits to the Community
Transparent contracting brings tangible advantages for Ashford residents:
- Better value Competitive pressures are clearer when contracts are open for scrutiny.
- Reduced risk of fraud Public visibility deters collusion and irregularities.
- Informed local businesses Suppliers can identify upcoming opportunities and understand criteria used by the council.
- Enhanced trust Citizens see that their elected representatives manage money responsibly.
Contact Information
Questions about a specific contract or the register as a whole should be directed to the Procurement Team:
- Email: procurement@ashford.gov.uk
- Phone: 01233 123456
- Office: 2 High Street, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1AB
Feedback is welcomed and will be used to improve the registers usability and accuracy.
