Regulations and compliance
Procurement Act 2023
Definition
The new UK procurement legislation replacing the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, introducing a simplified and more flexible framework including new procedures, a single digital platform, and enhanced transparency requirements.
The Procurement Act 2023 represents the most significant reform of UK public procurement in a generation. Enabled by Brexit (which freed the UK from the obligation to follow EU procurement directives), it replaces the PCR 2015, the Utilities Contracts Regulations, the Concession Contracts Regulations, and the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations with a single, unified regime.
Key changes include: the introduction of a new 'competitive flexible procedure' that gives buyers more freedom in how they structure procurements; mandatory use of a single digital platform for publishing notices; enhanced transparency through the publication of pipeline notices, associated tender notices, and contract performance data; and a new system for managing supplier exclusion and debarment.
The Act is expected to come into force in stages. During the transition period, some procurements will run under the old regulations while others follow the new Act. Suppliers need to be prepared for both regimes running in parallel for a period.
Why it matters for bidders
The Procurement Act 2023 changes the procedural landscape. The new competitive flexible procedure means buyers can design bespoke procurement processes — making it harder to predict how any given procurement will run, but potentially creating more opportunities for innovative SMEs who can adapt to non-standard processes.
How Skim helps
Skim stays current with the evolving regulatory landscape, identifying which procurements fall under the new Act versus the legacy regulations and adjusting its guidance accordingly — so your bid approach matches the rules that actually apply.
Related terms
Public Contracts Regulations 2015(PCR 2015)
The primary legislation governing public procurement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, transposing the EU Public Procurement Directive into UK law. Being progressively replaced by the Procurement Act 2023.
Procurement thresholds
The financial values that determine which procurement rules apply to a public sector contract — below-threshold contracts follow lighter rules, while above-threshold contracts must comply with full procurement regulations including mandatory advertising and specific procedure requirements.
Light touch regime(LTR)
A simplified procurement regime for certain social, health, education, and other specified services, with higher thresholds and more flexible procedural rules than the standard procurement regulations.