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Part 2 consultation on draft regulations to implement the Procurement Bill
A reminder that the second part of the consultation on the secondary legislation required to implement the Procurement Bill is underway and will close on Friday 25 August. The consultation relates mainly to new procurement notices that are proposed in the Bill.
Buckingham Group files notice
The Buckingham Group, a construction company based in Buckinghamshire, has filed a notice to appoint administrators, but stressed it was not currently in administration, blaming inflation linked to the war in Ukraine and other challenges in the sports and leisure sector, according to the BBC. A small number of councils are contracting directly with the Buckingham Group which has said it will work with its clients to secure the best outcomes.
Government spending with SMEs reduced
Supply Management reports that although direct and indirect Government spend with SMEs increased in 2021/22 to £21 billion, up from £19.2 billion in 2020/21, it has actually reduced Government spend with SMEs from 26.9 per cent in 2020/21 to 26.5 per cent in 2021/22, short of the target of 35 per cent set in 2015. This was due to an overall rise in Government spending from £71.6 billion to £79.2 billion over the two years meaning the proportion of spend with SMEs fell. The article also highlights local government direct spend with SMEs at 35 per cent.
Local Government Procurement Index
Tussell have recently published data relating to local government spend directly with SMEs and VCSEs in its Local Government Procurement Index. The index breaks down which companies local authorities in England spent their procurement budgets with in 2022 and highlights what proportion of each local authority's procurement spend went directly to SMEs, VCSEs and locally-based suppliers, and how this compares with other local authorities nationally.
Public Sector Cyber Security Market Report
Tussell has published its Public Sector Cyber Security Market Report, which contains some interesting insights into how public sector spend on cyber security has evolved over the last four years.
Operating framework for adult social care intervention
The Government has published its operational framework for adult social care intervention in local authorities in England, aimed at directors of adult social services, local authority chief executives and councillors. Procurement and commissioning officers should also be aware of the supply chain implications relevant to the contents of the publication.
Ofsted guidance on children’s accommodation
Ofsted has warned against placing vulnerable children, including those subject to deprivation of liberty orders, in unregistered children’s homes. Ofsted has also updated its guidance on how it prioritises applications to register children’s homes when local authorities need urgent placements for children. We continue to press the Department for Education (DfE) and Government for more support to create appropriate placements, including calling on the NHS to improve provision for children with complex mental health needs.
Procurement Reform Roadshow discount code
BIP Solutions are running a series of in-person roadshows on procurement reform starting in October. The cost to attend an event is £195 per person, which includes interactive sessions, lunch and refreshments. BIP Solutions is offering a 20 per cent discount to local authorities with the code LGA20. For more information about these events please email mhairi.macneil@bipsolutions.com
Please get in touch if you want us to highlight procurement-related opportunities for your organisation in this bulletin.
Cornwall Council – Strategic Lead for Procurement
Kent County Council – Strategic Procurement and Commercial Lead – People
West Yorkshire Combined Authority – Commercial Manager (Professional Services and Technology)
Market exit simulation (Department of Health and Social Care workshop)
Tuesday 12 September, 10.30am–12.00pm | Virtual meeting
The threats and opportunities of AI and automation ('iN The Loop' webcast)
Tuesday 19 September, 10.00am–11.00am | Virtual meeting
Procurement Reform roadshows (Newcastle, Birmingham, Norwich, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham)
Tuesday 3 October–21 November | In person
iNetwork Annual Conference
Thursday 30 November | Hyatt Regency Manchester, 55 Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PQ and virtual meeting
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