West Lothian Council

The committee considered two planning reviews for proposed housing in the Livingston countryside belt. One site was approved subject to draft conditions and a section 75 planning obligation after members accepted it was not agricultural land and noted historic industrial use. A second house proposal at West of Old Baum was refused despite arguments that it was brownfield and infill, with members relying on officer reasons and the site's countryside impacts. Both items referenced supporting technical reports, biodiversity/ecology, flood risk, contaminated land, and legal agreements for developer contributions.

The committee received updates on a range of ward matters, with the most procurement-relevant items being the consultation and future business case for decriminalised parking enforcement, ongoing housing investment and void management, community safety and policing technology, and local environmental and grounds services. Members also discussed service pressures around antisocial behaviour, parking enforcement, CCTV data sharing, fire risks from vape/lithium-ion products, and engagement with businesses on cleaner communities. Several action points were agreed, including a future report on roads maintenance and traffic monitoring, and further information to be circulated on consultation consultees and fire safety legislation.

The West Lothian Council meeting covered several procurement-relevant items tied to public safety and service delivery. Notable topics include IT security risk management and potential procurement of IT security improvements, adoption of a framework for Traveller encampments with delegated procurement/operational procedures, waste management efficiency questions (bin collection times with potential cost implications), expansion of a school-based domestic abuse prevention program (with potential partnerships and future spending), and a cross-party Disability & Accessibility Working Group to shape inclusive service delivery. The Fire & Rescue Service funding discussion highlighted a substantial government investment and a call for transparency and accountability in service delivery, which could influence future procurement and asset decisions. These items indicate a mix of policy development, potential procurements, and funding-driven spending decisions that could shape future contract opportunities and supplier engagements.

The Livingston North Local Area Committee discussed two main procurement-relevant topics: (1) a policy shift to decriminalised parking enforcement, including a public consultation running 2026-05-11 to 2026-07-03 and potential future procurement needs for enforcement-related services; and (2) housing investment and property-related assets, including completion of 24 new social housing units at Houston Road (2026-04-26) and an asset transfer proposal for Livingston Community Sheds, indicating potential future procurement/asset management activity.

The West Lothian IGB discussed procurement-related actions around unscheduled healthcare and governance. Key points include a £1m non-recurring funding allocation to expand Home First capacity and staff, potential private ambulance transport contracts for detained patients, updates to records management and consumer duty reporting, and the use of public health data to inform strategic planning. The board also planned a development session on mental health to deepen external input and collaboration.

The Livingston South LAC discussed several procurement-relevant items, notably plans to pursue Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) powers with an 11 May–3 July 2026 consultation and an 18-month to 2-year implementation window, which could drive new procurement for enforcement staffing, signage, and traffic-order work. Other items include housing and estate services with capital works and letting targets, cleaner communities activities (litter/graffiti removal) with potential supplier opportunities, and regeneration funding (National Lottery) supporting Lady Well/Cofthead initiatives.