Litter bins with sensors

About the buyer

South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council buys as a local authority through its own Corporate Procurement Service. Tender opportunities are advertised on the NEPO portal, used by all 12 North East councils and public sector bodies. Larger contracts also appear on the government's Contracts Finder and Find a Tender sites. Suppliers register on the NEPO Open Portal to see live opportunities and express interest. Smaller works and services are sourced through quick quotes or short tender lists on the NEPO e-tendering system. The council runs supplier workshops with NEPO to help local businesses bid for public contracts.

UK local government drives £140bn in annual procurement, led by social protection (£66.6bn) and education (£57.1bn).

Over the past 5 years, most of South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council's contract awards have been in software and information systems, construction work and health and social work.