A DECISION to extend a road maintenance contract in North Yorkshire without putting it out to tender is being challenged by the Liberal Democrats.
The county council executive last week voted in private session to renew the contract held by Hampshire-based Raynesway Southern Construction (RCS) for four years.
Four years ago, RCS was awarded a £27m annual contract by the authority to run until 2008, with the option of a four-year extension.
But Lib Dems have called in the decision and the issue will be debated today by the transport and telecommunications scrutiny committee.
Newly-elected Lib Dem leader Bill Hoult said: "A contract of this size should be put out to tender, otherwise how can local taxpayers be sure that they are getting value for money?"
Council leader John Weighell said the principle of extending the contract was in the original agreement. He said tendering was expensive and members were broadly satisfied with RCS.
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