The Procurement Act has just come in to force – here’s what you need to know.
If you provide goods or services to public authorities or have aspirations to do so, you need to know about the Procurement Act 2023. Although the act received Royal Assent in 2023 it didn’t come into force until 24th February 2025. It was delayed because of the need for a new national public procurement policy statement.
The aims of the act are to:
- Simplify procurement: make the system fairer for buyers and suppliers
- Open up public procurement: Allow small businesses and social enterprises to compete for public contracts
- Improve transparency: Ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely
- Meet international obligations: Ensure that the UK’s procurement system complies with international obligations
Take note:
- Contracting authorities must consider value for money, public benefit, and transparency
- It will be easier for suppliers to bid, negotiate, and work with the public sector
- Prospective suppliers will be prevented from being shut out for long periods of time
- Contracting authorities will be able to make changes to standard contractual terms
The Act will not, however, apply to
- The Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service, and the Government Communications Headquarters
- Various defence and security contracts
If you’d like support with your provision of goods and services to public authorities, contact us!