CCS supports public sector to save on water bills

A new water framework agreement, established by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), will enable public sector organisations to choose which company supplies their water and associated services.

Working alongside YPO, The Energy Consortium, ESPO, NEPO, West Mercia Energy and the Ministry of Defence, the CCS agreement is expected to help the public sector save more than £20 million over four years. Central government, schools, colleges, universities, museums, housing associations, councils, the blue light services and NHS trusts are among those eligible to access it.

The multi-supplier framework will be live and available from 1 April, and will run for three years with the option to extend by a further 12 months.

Ben Gummer, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, said: “This is the first agreement of its kind in the UK. The opening up of the water market will create a unique opportunity for efficiency and collaboration.

“Ensuring that our public finances are on a sustainable path is vital to securing a strong and stable economy that works for everyone. The government is committed to delivering value for money for taxpayers and the Cabinet Office will continue to drive savings right across departments as set out in the Spending Review in 2015.”

Sam Ulyatt, strategic category commercial director for CCS said: “The opening up of the water market will create a unique opportunity for efficiency and collaboration and this is the first agreement of its kind in the UK.”

CCS will be carrying out an e-auction on behalf of interested customers in May 2017.