New scheme to keep criminals out of council contracts
Bryan Copland • Published 7 Aug 2012 09:29
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ORGANISED criminals will be prevent from gaining lucrative council contracts under a new process from police and East Lothian Council.
Lothian and Borders Police are working with the local authority to share vital information relating to businesses that could be influenced by serious organised crime groups.
Senior council officials will now be able to apply to the police for certain information relating to individuals linked to the company bidding for contracts to provide services.
They can then use the information to determine whether companies should be awarded the contracts.
The move is designed to ensure that organised criminals do not get a foothold and undermine legitimate businesses operating in the force area.
Strict processes have been put in place to ensure the protection and security of all of the shared information, and the process will operate under the guidelines of the Data Protection Act 1998.
The scheme has already received a high level of support from other local authorities and agencies in the force area, including City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Borders Council and NHS Lothian.
Superintendent Phil O'Kane, East Lothian area commander, said: "Lothian and Borders Police, along with our partners, is committed to restricting and removing opportunities for criminal financial gain.
"We want to ensure that public money does not line the pockets of organised criminals, and we will do everything in our power to enforce this.
"This protocol will allow us to keep services in East Lothian of a high standard, and continue our fight against serious and organised crime."
Angela Leitch, East Lothian Council chief executive, added: "Each year, local authorities award major contracts for goods and services that can amount to millions of pounds.
"Both elected members and senior officials have a responsibility to not only ensure best value for the public purse but also that the award process takes due care when assessing the financial stability of the bidders.
"This process will assist legitimate businesses and help to strengthen the local economy."
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