THE PROVISION OF EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES FOR 2 COUNCIL OWNED COMPANIES

The Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk is soliciting comprehensive external audit services for two council-owned companies, West Norfolk Housing Company Ltd and West Norfolk Property Ltd. The contract is designed to commence on January 1, 2027, focusing on the audit of accounts for the 2026/2027 financial year ending March 31, 2027. The agreement features an initial two-year term with an option to extend for an additional two years, ending March 31, 2031. To maintain the contract, the provider will be formally re-appointed annually subject to approval by the Board of Directors or the Audit and Governance Sub-Committee. The scope of work includes the planning and execution of annual external audits and coordination with the Council's external auditors, currently Ernst Young, regarding group accounts. Notably, West Norfolk Property Ltd utilizes Quickbooks and is accounted for under IFRS16. The award will be based on the most economically advantageous offer, with a weighting of 60 percent for price and 40 percent for quality. Quality evaluation focuses on methodology, proposed KPIs, innovation in service delivery, succession planning, and the qualifications of the Senior Representative and Audit Manager. Bidders must pass mandatory criteria regarding the Standard Selection Questionnaire and the ability to meet specified timescales. Required submission documents include a Tender Response Form, a Non-Collusion Certificate, and the Standard Selection Questionnaire, all to be uploaded via the Delta eSourcing portal by November 23, 2026. The successful contractor must maintain property damage insurance of at least 5 million pounds and adhere to strict data protection and confidentiality standards. Payment terms are set at 30 days from receipt of a valid invoice, though a shorter 10-day window is targeted for suppliers headquartered within the borough boundary.