Decision Maker: Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Approve the award of the school meals catering contract to the successful bidder following a competitive tender process. This contract award will be for a period of 5 years plus an option for an additional 2 years. The 2-year extension will be subject to contract performance.
53.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.
DECISIONS
53.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to:
1) Note the work undertaken regarding the future provision of school meals in East Sussex as set out in the report; and
2) Approve that the contract is awarded to the highest scoring bidder as set out at paragraph 2.6 of the supporting exempt report later in the agenda.
REASON
53.3 There is a consistent requirement for the school meals contract to deliver a high-quality bespoke menu, whilst continuing to provide schools and academies with value for money and a high level of service delivery and support. This standard is met by the highest scoring bidder. In the awarding of contract to the highest scoring provider, the Lead Member noted that a full competitive procurement exercise was undertaken and bids were scored against the evaluation criteria.
Report author: Johnny Parish
Publication date: 02/03/2026
Date of decision: 02/03/2026
Decided at meeting: 02/03/2026 - Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change
Effective from: 10/03/2026
Current call-in Count: 0
Accompanying Documents: