New guidance has been launched to help local authorities better understand when to implement OJEU tender procedures so that it does not stifle development.
The BPF, Local Government Association and Local Partnerships aim to use the guidance to ensure important regen schemes are brought forward more efficiently.
Public procurement rules set by EU legislation say that public bodies must award development contracts in a fair and transparent manner by introducing a competitive tendering process, known as OJEU procurement or tenders.
The complexity of determining when this process applies, however, often means that the process is used unnecessarily and acts as a deterrent to potential developers.
The launch is being followed by a series of round tables across the country in partnership with government departments, to promote the newly updated guidance to local authorities and developers.
Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “Although these procurement rules may cease to exist when we leave the EU, for the time being they are here to stay.
“We hope that the updated guidance that we are launching today will help public bodies to make swift, efficient decisions about when to use OJEU to go through the tendering process and not do so unnecessarily.”
• To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@estatesgazette.com or tweet @egalexpeace or @estatesgazette
