Competitive tendering — the transition to contracting in Scottish local authorities∗

The present article is a revised and shortened version of R. Kerley and D. Wynn Competitive Tendering ‐ The Transition to Contracted Service Provision in Scottish Local Authorities, SLAMC Papers in Local Government 1/90 ISBN 0 9515781 03, 1990.

Abstract

This article reviews the initial experience of Scottish local authorities in accommodating the significant and far‐reaching changes to service provision arising from the Local Government Act 1988. It considers some issues relevant to the changing environment and culture of local government, now operating in a regime of enforced tendering, and considers some relevant policy and practice implications for local authorities. It is not intended to be a definitive study but rather an attempt to analyse some key themes and issues related to management of the tendering process and of tendered services themselves. It is based on our discussions with various officers and members; we are grateful for their willing assistance.

Notes

The present article is a revised and shortened version of R. Kerley and D. Wynn Competitive Tendering ‐ The Transition to Contracted Service Provision in Scottish Local Authorities, SLAMC Papers in Local Government 1/90 ISBN 0 9515781 03, 1990.