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Transforming Public Procurement - update
Procurement Act - next steps
We are shortly approaching the next significant phase for implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. In the coming weeks Cabinet Office will be publishing the formal response to the consultation undertaken last year on the proposed secondary legislation with an expectation that secondary legislation will be laid by the end of March, subject to Parliamentary timescales. The Statutory Instrument will be available to view online once it is laid, and we will share a link with you.
Timescales for commencement of the new regime in October 2024 are still in place, preceded by a six-month preparation period and a formal announcement of this is due. The next step in the learning journey will be to launch the e-Learning package aimed at practitioners and begin publishing a suite of technical guidance documents covering different elements and aspects of the Act.
As part of your preparation you should take time to become familiar with the Act - for clarity, the Act is officially titled the Procurement Act 2023 - this is the primary legislation, but the secondary legislation that sits under it will be called the Procurement Regulations 2024.
Learning & Development update
In December, Cabinet Office launched the Knowledge Drops - a series of on-demand videos with specific content for contracting authorities and for suppliers - including SME and VCSE suppliers.
The e-Learning modules will be launched in April. These are the core facet to the training offer and be open to all procurement and commercial practitioners. You can find out more details of all our L&D materials in the official L&D Brochure.
Technical Guidance on the Act
To support preparation for the Act Cabinet Office will soon be publishing a suite of technical guidance documents addressing all aspects of the new regime. They will publish a range of documents which will cover subjects from transitional arrangements and covered procurement through to pre-market engagement, award rules, exclusions and contract modifications. The documents are intended to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation and understanding of the new regime.
These are expected to start to be released in March, with the full complement available by the end of June.
Procurement Review Unit (PRU) update
The PRU continues to focus on building the standard operating model ready for implementation of the Procurement Act. To support that development, the team has now entered a period of stakeholder engagement. Cabinet Office have commenced engagement with contracting authorities that undertake strategic supplier relationship management, to explore ways of working together in regards to the management of potential debarment cases.
National Security Unit for Procurement update
The Government has established a National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP) in the Cabinet Office to support implementation of the new powers in the Act to exclude and debar suppliers where there is a threat to UK national security. We are developing specific guidance for contracting authorities and expect to publish this in the summer. For all your questions relating to implementation of the Act please email procurement.reform@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Help set the future direction of Procurement in the public sector
The landscape of public sector operations is undergoing a transformation, with Innovation Procurement at the forefront following the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023. The Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) is your ally in navigating this shift. IPEC invites you to participate in an independent research study aimed at assessing awareness, understanding, and adoption of Innovation Procurement within public bodies. Your expertise is the key to setting the agenda for change and will help to shape the future support provided by IPEC. The survey has up to 32 questions and should take no more than ten minutes to complete.
Homelessness Prevention Grant: 2023 to 2025 – funding for councils published
The Autumn Statement 2023 announced an additional £120 million to help councils address homelessness pressures and support Ukrainians into settled accommodation in 2024-2025, including funding for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. DLUHC has published information regarding the allocation of £109 million Homelessness Prevention Grant 2024-25 top-up funding for councils in England.
Housebuilding market study published
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the final report for the housebuilding market study. The report sets out the findings, the concerns that they have identified, and an assessment of the range of potential interventions that could address them.
The CMA has also opened a new Competition Act investigation into eight housebuilders in light of evidence suggesting they may be sharing information with their competitors.
Free school travel: funding allocations for councils for 2024 to 2025 published
The government has published funding for councils to spend on home-to-school travel for children from low-income families for the 2024 to 2025 financial year, as required by the Education Act 1996. Councils that have questions about the funding can email: school.travel@education.gov.uk
techUK - The Digital Landline Switchover and Local Authorities
5 March, 10:00am – 1:00pm | Virtual
Provider Selection Regime Policy Overview Webinar
6 March 2024 10:00am – 11:00am | Virtual
The Procurement Act Expo
12 March 2024 | In person conference
LGA Transformation Conference (Hybrid event)
26 March 2024, 10.30am - 2.30pm | 18 Smith Square, Westminster, London & Online
Procurex National
16 May 2024 | Liverpool Exhibition Centre
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