Provision of Specialist Planning Advisory Services Supporting Local Plan Development and Examination

o The Council has undertaken multiple attempts through standard procurement routes to secure suitably qualified specialist planning resource to support delivery of the East Lindsey Local Plan 2044. This has included recruitment of both permanent and interim staff; however, these processes have been unsuccessful in securing a sustainable solution.

o Recognising the forthcoming requirement to commence plan-making activity in 2026, the Council proactively engaged the market early in the year. Despite these efforts, outcomes have been unsuccessful, with several appointments proving short-lived and resulting in disproportional use of time and budget, with limited progress achieved.

o In March 2026, the Government introduced a revised plan-making system requiring local authorities to complete Local Plans within a mandatory 30-month timeframe. This has significantly increased demand for specialist planning skills across England. The market for suitably qualified policy planners is constrained, and competition across authorities is high.

Given the Council's limited internal capacity, the urgent need to commence work, and prior market engagement outcomes, it is considered that further open market procurement would be unlikely to deliver a different result and would present a material risk to the Council's ability to meet statutory timelines.

o A specialist provider has been identified through professional networks with the capability and capacity to meet the Council's requirements within the required timeframe. The proposal submitted:

o Aligns with the Council's approved budget

o Reflects rates comparable to, or below, those previously received via recruitment agencies and consultancies

o Represents value for money when considering agency fees, overheads, and delivery certainty

o An assessment using HMRC's CEST tool has confirmed that the engagement falls outside IR35. The proposed appointment is limited in scope and duration and will be used to support specific elements of the Local Plan 2044 programme.

o On balance, it is considered that a direct award via the transparency route is justified on the basis that:

o Previous competitive market engagement has failed to secure the required services

o There is clear evidence of a constrained and highly competitive market

o There is an urgent requirement linked to statutory timescales, with potential for Government intervention (MHCLG) if these are not met

o This approach is considered proportionate, transparent, and in line with the Authority's obligation to secure value for money under the Procurement Act 2023.

The risks associated with undertaking a further procurement exercise are considered to outweigh the benefits, particularly in terms of delay, delivery failure, and impact on existing staff capacity.

The Authority therefore considers that there are no reasonable alternative delivery options available within the required timeframe, based on previous market engagement and current market conditions.