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The Procurement Act 2023 is the biggest reform of UK public procurement in a generation. It replaces EU‑derived rules with a simpler, more flexible framework designed to improve transparency, value for money and access for a wider range of suppliers.
This Procurement Act 2023 summary explains the key changes and why they matter for both contracting authorities and suppliers.
The reforms will shake up our outdated system and improve the way procurement is done, so that every pound goes further for our public services.
UK Government Commercial Function
What is the Procurement Act 2023
The Act introduces a new legal framework for how public bodies buy goods, services and works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its aim is to make procurement quicker, clearer and more outcomes‑focused, while increasing visibility of how public money is spent.
For many organisations, this is not just a regulatory update. It changes how procurements are designed, run and defended.
When the Procurement Act 2023 went live
The Procurement Act 2023 has been in force since 28 February 2025 and now governs all public procurements in scope. Existing procurements that have already begun will continue under the previous rules.
That means organisations need to be ready well before launch, not once a notice is published.
Key changes in the Procurement Act 2023
This Procurement Act 2023 summary focuses on the changes that will most affect day‑to‑day procurement activity.
Simpler procurement procedures
The Act replaces multiple legacy procedures with a smaller set, including an Open Procedure and a Competitive Flexible Procedure. This gives buyers more freedom to design processes that fit the market, rather than forcing every procurement into rigid templates.
With greater flexibility comes greater responsibility to document decisions clearly.
A new Central Digital Platform (CDP)
Suppliers will register once on a central platform and reuse their information across multiple procurements. This reduces duplication for suppliers and improves visibility of opportunities across the public sector.
For buyers, it raises expectations around data accuracy and transparency.
Increased transparency requirements
The Act introduces more notices across the procurement lifecycle, including planning, award and contract performance.
This means decisions are more visible, more contestable and more likely to be scrutinised. Being able to evidence why decisions were made becomes critical.
New award criteria
The move from Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) to Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) allows broader considerations beyond price and quality.
Buyers have more scope to reflect social value, outcomes and strategic priorities, but they must be able to justify how those factors were assessed.
Stronger supplier exclusion and debarment
The Act strengthens the rules around excluding suppliers for poor performance or misconduct. A new debarment list increases the consequences of non‑compliance.
Both buyers and suppliers need a clear, defensible audit trail around past performance and exclusion decisions.
Improved access for SMEs
Reducing barriers to entry and improving visibility of opportunities is a core aim of the Act. Smaller suppliers should find it easier to identify and bid for public sector work.
However, transparency cuts both ways. Poorly run procurements will be easier to challenge.
Early Market Engagement
Early market engagement with suppliers is not just recommended – it’s actively encouraged by the Act.
By initiating dialogue at the outset, contracting authorities can gain valuable insights into market dynamics, explore innovative solutions and refine procurement strategies.
This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the procurement process but also fosters a conducive environment for fair competition and value for money.
Why the Procurement Act 2023 matters
For contracting authorities, the Act increases flexibility but also raises the bar for governance, record‑keeping, and decision‑making.
For suppliers, it creates new opportunities but also greater scrutiny of performance, pricing, and compliance.
In both cases, the risk does not come from the rules themselves. It comes from being unable to explain, evidence and defend decisions if they are challenged.
Procurement Act 2023 summary: the key takeaway
The Procurement Act 2023 is not just a change in law. It is a shift in expectations.
Organisations that invest in clear processes, robust evaluation and defensible decision‑making will be best placed to benefit from the flexibility the Act offers.
Those that rely on habit or undocumented judgement will find the new regime far less forgiving.
