A new procurement strategy is being proposed to ensure that every pound of public money works harder for residents, communities, and local businesses in Cherwell.
Published: Friday, 27th March 2026
Cherwell District Council’s revised approach will be considered by the executive at its meeting on 7 April. The strategy outlines how the council plans to purchase goods and services to deliver better value for money, boost the local economy, and ensure contracts contribute more directly to the wellbeing of the district.
The updated approach responds to changes in national legislation and enhances how the council will work with suppliers, focusing more on fairness, transparency, and securing real community benefits.
The strategy aims to make it even easier for small and medium-sized local businesses to bid for work, keep more council spending within the district, and ensure services are delivered to a consistently high standard.
Another key part of the new strategy is a stronger emphasis on social value. This means future contracts will better support what matters to local people, such as local job opportunities, potential apprenticeships, community investment, and environmental improvements. Sustainability will also play a much larger role in purchasing decisions, helping the council reduce carbon emissions across its supply chain and, in doing so, tackling climate change. This will support the council’s commitment to becoming net zero by 2030.
The council will adopt a more modern and proactive approach to contract management, ensuring that suppliers deliver on their promises and that any issues are addressed early. This will help maintain and improve the quality of services provided by the council.
Councillor Chris Brant, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, said: “This strategy aims to ensure that public money is spent in a way that further benefits Cherwell residents. By creating more opportunities for local businesses to work with us, achieving greater value from our funding, and focusing more on community outcomes, we can support a thriving local economy while enhancing the services people depend on.
“It is crucial that our approach to procurement reflects modern best practices, and this updated strategy achieves that. Our aim is to deliver the best value services for our communities now and in the future.”
If approved, the revised strategy will guide the council on how it commissions and manages contracts over the next two years.
Businesses can find out more about becoming a council supplier and available opportunities at visit our procurement web page.
The strategy is available on the agenda for next month's executive meeting.