GOVERNMENT’S new co-ordinated approach to the buying of goods and services has started to achieve better value for taxpayers’ money. Ultra low sulphur diesel for a number of departments is now being supplied through a single contract, instead of each department buying their own, resulting in a real cost saving. The two-year contract, won by Manx Petroleums Ltd, is the first of its kind under Government’s new Procurement Policy, announced by Treasury in May this year following approval by the Council of Ministers. The aim of the policy is to achieve value for the taxpayer while supporting the local economy. The bulk diesel contract, one of a number of collaborative projects, involves the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, the Department of Health, the Department of Infrastructure and the Post Office. Treasury Minister Anne Craine MHK commented: ‘Government spends in the region of ?1.5 million a week on the things it needs to do its job of providing services to the public. ‘It makes sense for departments to work together to get the best deal for the taxpayer, and I am delighted that our new Procurement Policy is already producing results.’ The Minister added that the recent report on UK Government spending and efficiency from Sir Philip Green had concluded that the UK could achieve greater savings in procurement through Departments acting in a more joined up way. Mrs Craine said the Isle of Man Government had already identified the potential of such an approach a year ago when it appointed a new Head of Procurement, Neil Davidson. One of Mr Davidson’s responsibilities is to co-ordinate joined up procurement for common goods and services across Government, very much in the manner that Sir Philip is now advocating for the UK Government. Ends