TOWN Hall chiefs have approved ‘exceptional measures’ as the council deals with the unprecedented impact of coronavirus.

Deputy leader Cllr Cathy Mitchell delivered a report on Covid-19 procurement arrangements during the cabinet meeting on Monday.

It aimed to inform members about the current and planned procurement activity.

She said coronavirus has had an unprecedented impact on all aspects of the council’s operations, as well as the ability of suppliers of goods, services and works to fulfil requirements.

The Labour-run authority had a number of tenders planned to take place over the next few months but Covid-19 means that neither the council or the market is ‘in a position to undertake tenders’.

It was therefore proposed that much of the planned work is postponed until the current situation is over – this will mean many current contracts have to be modified, or direct awards of contract will be needed.

The cabinet backed the proposal which will ensure services can continue operating, along with allowing for aid within the borough to be granted if required.

Members voted to delegate authority to award and modify contracts above the thresholds for key decisions, in relation to Covid-19 provisions, to officers.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said it has been an incredibly testing time and highlighted the need to bring in the ‘exceptional measures’.

He added: “It’s essential we continue to work with suppliers and engage on contract negotiations, such that we can continue to supply frontline services for the people of Warrington. I think that’s absolutely crucial.”

Cllr Mitchell highlighted a Cabinet Office procurement policy note during the meeting.

It said local authorities should urgently review their contract portfolio and inform suppliers, who they believe are at risk, that they will continue to be paid as normal, even if service delivery is disrupted or temporarily suspended, until at least the end of June.