Regulations and compliance
Public Contracts Regulations 2015(PCR 2015)
Definition
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.
The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015) are the legal framework that has governed most UK public procurement since February 2015. They define the procedures buyers must follow, the advertising requirements, the rules for evaluating tenders, and the remedies available to suppliers who believe the rules have been broken.
PCR 2015 originally transposed the EU Public Procurement Directive (2014/24/EU) into UK law. After Brexit, it was retained as domestic legislation. The regulations are now being progressively replaced by the Procurement Act 2023, which received Royal Assent in October 2023 and is expected to come into force in stages.
For bidders, the regulations create enforceable rights. If a buyer fails to follow the rules — by not advertising, by applying undisclosed criteria, by evaluating unfairly — suppliers can challenge the decision through the courts. This legal framework is what makes UK public procurement relatively transparent and accessible compared to many other markets.
Why it matters for bidders
Understanding the regulations gives you leverage. When a buyer's process seems unfair or opaque, the regulations provide a framework for challenging it. Conversely, knowing what the regulations require helps you avoid wasting time on challenges that have no legal basis.
How Skim helps
Skim's Bid Analysis agent flags when procurement processes deviate from regulatory requirements, helping you identify opportunities where clarification or challenge might be appropriate — and avoid procurements where the process raises red flags.
Related terms
Procurement Act 2023
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.
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.