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You raise a valid point when you refer to discrimination, which is one of what we refer to as the overarching principles that all public bodies have to take into account in their procurement activity, along with equal treatment of suppliers and proportionality.
I think that requirements are absolutely necessary. If I write a plan, I am accountable for delivering that plan. Too many plans are being written, and with many of them there is no accountability.
For instance, there are only about 10 temporary accommodation accounts where there are arrears, but the average rent arrears for temporary accommodation is about £1,400 an account whereas, for UC, it is only £700 an account.