15/08/2025
The Government are consulting on whether to make further reforms to public procurement through the Industrial Strategy Consultation. Our webinar providing an overview of the proposed reforms can be found here.
One of the focus points for the consultation is people-focused services, such as adult and children’s care. Whilst the Procurement Act 2023 provides some flexibility for these services, consideration is being given as to whether further flexibility is needed to deliver certain services to vulnerable individuals to ensure the interests and experiences of users are prioritised.
By way of summary, the Government is considering:
- Where it may be appropriate to award contracts for certain services delivered to vulnerable citizens without a full competitive procedure;
- How it can best incorporate more flexibility into the procurement regime to ensure that these services can be procured in the best way;
- How it can help local authorities focus their resources on meeting user needs and building effective partnerships with local providers to create a supportive environment for users; and
- Removing the unnecessary bureaucracy imposed on contracting authorities when the market conditions or sensitive nature of the requirement mean that a complex procurement process is not an efficient way to deliver the service.
Will we see people-focused services being carved out of the Procurement Act 2023 altogether like we have with “health care services” now procured under the Provider Selection Regime? How far the Government will go is not yet known but if you are a provider or commission of people-focused services, it is important to have your say.
Until 5 September 2025 we all have a chance to respond to the consultation which can be found here
