Why it matters: The council has a statutory duty to maintain readable street signs across the town and must replace street name plates when they become illegible. This emergency contract helps ensure the council can continue meeting its legal obligations.
The big picture: The contract was awarded to G&G Signs Ltd without the usual competitive bidding process after the council's previous contractor ceased trading. Officials say there wasn't enough time to run a full procurement exercise while maintaining their statutory obligations.
By the numbers:
£35,000: The maximum value of the emergency contract
12: The number of Ipswich wards that will receive new signs
5 months: The duration of the contract, covering the remainder of the 2024/2025 financial year
What's next: The council plans to:
Receive the first batch of street name plates by late November
Begin installations immediately after delivery
Run a fully competitive procurement process for a long-term supplier
Between the lines: While the council has bypassed its usual Contract Standing Orders, officials stress that proper consultations were undertaken and the necessary endorsements received from senior officers.
The bottom line: This emergency contract ensures Ipswich's street signs will continue to be maintained despite the unexpected loss of the previous supplier. While the council has fast-tracked the process, the £35,000 contract is within existing budgets and follows necessary governance procedures.
