The strategy was approved by the Enabling and Customer Services Committee today (Tuesday 16 June) and covers the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028.
It sets out the council’s procurement vision, priorities and planned activity for the next two years, in line with the requirements of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. The strategy also confirms that the committee will continue to receive annual procurement reports on progress and achievements against the commitments it contains.
Dumfries and Galloway Council currently spends around £320 million per year on goods, services and works. The new strategy sets out how that spending power will be used to support value for money, local economic benefit and wider council priorities.
The strategy is built around five key areas of focus:
- Leadership, governance and compliance.
- Value for money and financial sustainability.
- Sustainable procurement and contributions towards net zero.
- Community wealth building and local economic growth.
- Community benefits and social value.
Together, these priorities are intended to ensure procurement activity continues to support the council’s wider objectives, including strengthening local supply chains, supporting fair work practices, contributing to net zero ambitions and creating opportunities for local businesses, SMEs, microbusinesses, social enterprises and communities.
The strategy also reflects the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Act 2026, setting out the role procurement will play in helping to retain and grow economic value within Dumfries and Galloway.
Councillor John Campbell, Chair of the Enabling and Customer Services Committee, said:
“Procurement is about much more than process. It is one of the main ways the council uses public money to secure goods, services and works, and it is important that this is done transparently, responsibly and in a way that supports wider local benefit.
“This strategy sets out how we will continue to focus on value for money, good governance and compliance, while also making sure procurement supports our wider priorities around sustainability, community wealth building and support for local businesses.
“With around £320 million of procurement spend each year, it is right that we use that spending power as effectively as possible to support communities and deliver the best outcomes for Dumfries and Galloway.”
Councillor Ben Dashper, Vice-Chair of the committee, said:
“This is a useful strategy because it links procurement clearly to the wider priorities of the council. It gives a clear framework for the next two years and supports a consistent approach to responsible spending, local opportunity and wider social value.”
The Procurement Strategy for 2026 to 2028 will now guide procurement activity across the council over the coming two years.