Decision details

Reason(s) for decision:

Emergency purchase of bulk Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hand sanitiser, wipes, aprons, masks, gloves, and goggles.  This forms an integral part of the Council’s response to the outbreak of the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures to reduce the risk of further human-to-human transmission.

To secure supplies of appropriate PPE bulk orders with suppliers must be placed.  This requires KCC to make significant financial commitments and also plan for ongoing review and replenishment of stock in a challenging market.

The PPE is for use by KCC and for mutual aid to KCC’s suppliers where they are unable to source supplies.  KCC will pay for the additional cost and usage of PPE during the outbreak from the additional funds (£39m) provided by central government.  When KCC provides mutual aid, the provider will be charged the full cost, recognising that any cost increases they incur will be reflected in the contract price KCC pays for service delivery, so also drawn from the additional funds KCC receives.

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I agree to;

(a)   the emergency purchase of bulk Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to hand sanitiser, wipes, aprons, masks, gloves and goggles;

(b)   the ongoing review and replenishment of KCC stocks of PPE as required to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; and

(c)   delegate authority to the Strategic Commissioner to take relevant actions, including but not limited to, reviewing and agreeing the necessary replenishment of stock over the course of the pandemic, placing orders and entering into relevant contracts and other legal agreements, as necessary to implement this decision.