19 June 2006 | Rebecca Ellinor

Procurement training for social care, health and housing staff is to continue after funding was extended.

The London Centre of Excellence - one of nine regional centres helping councils with efficient procurement - has committed a further £25,000 to keep the postgraduate qualification going.

The grant will deliver two courses that focus on buying services for children and families and for older people.

The training is designed to boost the sourcing, negotiation and market development skills of public-sector staff responsible for buying for health, care and housing services.

Around £2 billion is spent each year in London on these services and Ken Cole, director of the capital's Centre of Excellence, said it is crucial the money is well spent.

The course was developed in partnership with Oxford Brookes University and the Association of London Government (ALG).

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