Consultation on further reforms to public procurement

In this webinar, Emily Heard explained the ways in which the government may introduce further reforms to public procurement. Until 5 September 2025 we all have a chance to respond to the consultation which can be found here:

Public Procurement: Growing British industry, jobs and skills

• Mandatory “spend” targets with SMEs and VCSEs
• New ways in which direct awards might be expanded
• Mandatory requirements to carry out assessments of whether contracts should be brought back “in house”
• New ways in which social value will be measured when bidding, places in which it can be delivered and how it can be incorporated into contracts
• Excluding bidders from major contracts if they cannot demonstrate prompt payment

The reforms are likely to mean further changes to the Procurement Act 2023. There is a real opportunity for those responsible for putting public contracts out to tender, and for those bidding for them, to shape the reforms.

In our view, it will be important for you to have your say as the reforms have the potential to facilitate or complicate every day procurement tasks. It is therefore essential that the government hears from those who are carrying out those tasks on a day to day basis.