News In Focus

Scottish ministers to review public construction contract awards

3 October 2012

Scottish ministers have launched a review of the way Scotland’s £2 billion public construction contracts are awarded.

The review will look at how public bodies involved in construction-related procurement, including  affordable housing, adopt practices that are streamlined and deliver value for taxpayers’ money.
It will also address the use of the most modern design and technology, energy efficient techniques, materials, and eco-friendly construction methods.

Robin Crawford, a non-executive director and former forensic partner in KPMG LLP, has been appointed to chair the review, assisted by Ken Lewandowski, former chairman of the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solution Centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh. They expect to completed the review by summer 2013.

Mr Crawford said: “Clearly, in the current economic climate it is essential for both the industry and its clients that the procurement system operates as efficiently as it can.

"We will draw on the best examples of good practice in procurement in both the public and private sectors and will take account of earlier relevant reports on aspects of this issue.

 “I am determined that the review will both identify what needs to change and will put in place measures that ensure that the necessary improvements are delivered."

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, commented: “Scotland’s public sector spends over £2 billion per annum on construction related contracts. The review will examine how we can improve the impact of this spending on Scotland’s economic growth and on the quality of Scotland’s built environment."