How confident are public authorities that their suppliers are delivering the value promised in their contracts?
In May 2026, reporting on Cornwall Council’s internal audit identified significant weaknesses in contract management arrangements. The audit awarded Limited Assurance to contract management, identifying inconsistent compliance with the council’s operating model and reliance on manual, spreadsheet-based processes. The council was also facing a high-risk £154 million savings requirement. This figure represents savings at risk, not a quantified loss caused by poor contract management.
Cornwall Political Watch
Why should contract managers be concerned?
Weak contract controls can expose organisations to:
- Payments for services that have not been adequately verified.
- Failure to identify supplier underperformance.
- Missed contractual remedies and recovery opportunities.
- Unauthorised changes and uncontrolled expenditure.
- Insufficient evidence to demonstrate value for money.
Under the Procurement Act 2023, public authorities also face additional transparency and supplier performance reporting requirements.
The contract management lesson
You cannot manage contractual value effectively if you do not have reliable information about performance, expenditure and obligations. Contract registers, performance dashboards, risk reviews, documented responsibilities and effective escalation are essential management controls.
The “live” tutor led WorldCC Contract Management Practitioner course 16 – 20 November 2026, provided by DPSS helps professionals develop the skills needed to identify contractual risks, manage change, monitor supplier obligations and protect financial value. www.dpss.co.uk