Just as the dust begins to settle on the Procurement Act 2023, the UK Government has launched a new consultation that could reshape the landscape once again. Titled “Public Procurement – Growing British Industry, Jobs and Skills”, this initiative signals a bold push to align procurement with the UK’s industrial and employment strategy.
Key proposals include:
- Mandatory targets for spend with SMEs and VCSEs
- Excluding late payers from major public contracts
- A new “public interest test” to encourage in-house delivery
- Factoring in job creation and skills development when awarding contracts
This consultation builds on the Procurement Act 2023 but goes further in embedding economic and social outcomes into procurement decisions. It demonstrates a growing trend for not simply using public spending to buy goods and services, but to really drive strategic national priorities.
For suppliers, this could mean new opportunities—but also new obligations. For contracting authorities, it may require rethinking evaluation criteria, contract management, and internal capability.
The consultation is open to suppliers, contracting authorities, and the public. You can respond via the official portal.
It will be important for suppliers and for public authorities to use this opportunity to have their say by responding to the consultation. So if you do have some spare time, please do send your views across as it may shape how the Procurement Act 2023 is changed. The consultation closes on the 5 September 2025
For further guidance on any aspects of the consultation, please get in touch with our local government solicitors.
