Does a council have to go to open tender for every project?

Not necessarily. Councils are not bound by the Government Procurement Rules, although they are encouraged to follow good practice, and their obligations arise mainly from the Local Government Act 2002, their own procurement policies and the principles of open, transparent and fair dealing. Most councils have policies that set thresholds for when direct appointment, quotes or open tender are required, and exceptions exist for urgency, sole suppliers or approved panels. A contract awarded without competition may be lawful if it falls within the policy. Ask the council for its procurement policy and the basis for the decision, using the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 if necessary. Complaints can be made to the Ombudsman, who can investigate whether the council followed its own policy and acted properly.