Councils are not prepared for changes in procurement rules – particularly competitive dialogue – according to a new survey by law firm Nabarro Nathanson.

The survey found 72% of councils still used restricted procedures, and 80% said they had little or no knowledge of new procedures, such as competitive dialogue. Under new ~European Union~ rules, councils can use competitive dialogue to talk to potential bidders about contracts, before key tender documents are issued. The dialogue between the council and the bidders keeps going until the local authority finds a solution, or solutions, which will meet all its needs.