Cabinet approves new strategy to improve commissioning, procurement and contract management 

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has approved a new Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management (CPCM) Strategy, setting out how the council will plan, buy and manage goods, works and services over the next three years. 

In simple terms, the strategy explains how the council will make better decisions about what it buys, who it buys from and how contracts are managed, so that public money is spent wisely and services deliver the best possible results for local people. 

The CPCM Strategy supports the council’s wider plans for improvement and sets a clear framework for how commissioning and procurement should work across the organisation. It focuses on understanding local need, using evidence to guide decisions, working with partners and managing contracts well so the council can achieve better value for money, stronger performance and better outcomes for residents. 

A key part of the strategy is social value. This means looking beyond cost alone and considering the wider benefits that contracts can bring to Shropshire. For example, the council will look for opportunities to support local jobs, apprenticeships, small businesses, voluntary and community organisations, and environmental goals when it buys services. By strengthening local markets and building social value into procurement from the start, the council aims to make a positive difference in communities across the county. 

Councillor Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance, said:  

“This strategy is about making sure we spend public money in the best possible way, while also delivering real benefits for the people and communities of Shropshire. It gives us a clear and consistent approach to commissioning, procurement and contract management, helping us secure better outcomes, stronger value for money and more effective services. 

“It is also an important step in helping the council become financially sustainable for the future, helping us to deliver our Corporate and Improvement Plans. By planning better, managing contracts more effectively and making the most of social value in everything we do, we can support local businesses and communities, improve services and make every pound work harder for our residents.” 

The strategy will help the council respond to rising demand, tighter budgets and new procurement rules, while making sure decisions are fair, transparent and focused on what matters most to Shropshire’s residents. It also provides a stronger foundation for long-term financial sustainability by improving oversight, strengthening governance and ensuring the council gets the best overall value from its third-party spend. 

To view the strategy, people can visit Shropshire Council’s website.