On Monday, the UK Procurement Act 2023 came into force, marking a significant step forward for public sector procurement.
The Act introduces:
- Streamlined processes for greater efficiency.
- Increased flexibility in procurement decisions
- A stronger focus on value for money, social impact, and transparency
- Fairer opportunities for suppliers of all sizes to work with the public sector.
These changes present an opportunity for the public sector to drive efficiency while supporting thriving communities and sustainable economic growth.
In addition to the Act, the UK government has also recently released an updated National Procurement Policy Statement, which details how social value is mandated and measured. If you’d like to learn more, you can find the details here.
While there is too much to cover in my View from the Top about all the details of the new Act, both suppliers and councils can expect an adjustment period as they familiarise themselves with the practical applications of these changes.
Another significant development is the introduction of the Procurement Review Unit (PRU). This new unit will oversee the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring compliance by:
- Investigating contracting authorities to ensure they follow the new rules.
- Reviewing suppliers for potential inclusion on the debarment list.
The PRU aims to improve procurement standards and address systemic issues early. A key focus will be protecting public funds from high-risk suppliers, in part as a response to past criticisms about procurement practices during COVID-19. This new approach signals the government’s commitment to greater scrutiny and accountability in public contracts.
This week, I had the pleasure of joining Highways Magazine at their roundtable event with FYLD. The discussion focused on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in infrastructure. AI is a hot topic right now, and while I’ve previously shared frustrations about its overuse as a buzzword, this session tackled some critical industry challenges. Look out for a detailed discussion in next month’s Highways Magazine.
Additionally, LCRIG is launching its own AI-related initiatives, with insights coming soon from Dan in our Sector Insights Team. Stay tuned for more in our upcoming newsletters.
Finally, as a member of DfT’s UKRLG Asset Management Board, I participated in discussions about updating the “Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure” Code of Practice. There’s currently an open survey to gather industry input, which you can complete here before the early March deadline.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO