Public Procurement is changing. On the 24th of February 2025, the rules that shape how public bodies buy goods and services will change. On this date The Procurement Act 2023 (the “Act”) will come into force and will improve and streamline the way procurement is done and benefit prospective suppliers of all sizes, particularly small businesses, start-ups and social enterprises.
If your business supplies goods, works or services to organisations in the public or utility sectors – or hopes to do so in the future – you need to know about these changes. This includes supplying to local authorities, the NHS, universities, schools, social housing organisations, police and fire brigades and utility companies.
Key benefits for suppliers include more standardisation and streamlining of procurement processes – but there are also additional benefits in the Act such as requiring better oversight of procurement decisions and strengthening payment terms.
Please see the webinar recording below from the Government Commercial Function and Cabinet Office on how suppliers should get ready for the introduction of The Procurement Act 2023.
Follow this link Information and guidance for suppliers – GOV.UK for further information on the new Central Digital Platform (which is an enhancement to the current Find a Tender service) in order that suppliers can register, upload organisational information and search and bid for opportunities
What do we buy?
Below are some examples of the things we purchase to support delivery of public services in Burnley.
Works
Construction, materials, demolition, boarding up, maintenance & repairs.
Goods
Stationery, paper, cleaning products, operational equipment, PPE – protective clothing, machinery, printer cartridges, fuel, vehicles, office furniture.
Services
Waste & recycling collection services, agency and temporary staff, consultancy advice, insurance.
How do we buy?
| Value Threshold | Summary purchasing method |
|---|---|
| Less than £5,000 | Order placed via e-purchasing system, for contracted goods, services and purchases. |
| Above £5,000 and below £25,000 | Market testing, appropriate to the contract or requirement. Tenders may be invited via notices published on Contracts Finder (from 24/02/25 The Central Digital Platform will replace Contracts Finder); and quotes or tender exercises are run using The Chest (Proactis). Trade journals may be used to advertise as appropriate. |
| Above 25,000 and below £125,000 | A minimum of three competitive quotes required. Tenders are invited via notices published on Contracts Finder (from 24/02/25 The Central Digital Platform will replace Contracts Finder); and tender exercises run using The Chest (Proactis). Trade journals may be used to advertise as appropriate. |
| Above:£125,000 | Council Executive authority is required to accept Tenders. Tenders are invited via notices published on Contracts Finder & Find a Tender where appropriate (from 24/02/25 The Central Digital Platform will replace Contracts Finder/ Find a Tender services); and tender exercises are run using The Chest (Proactis). Trade journals may be used to advertise as appropriate. |
| Above: £214,904 (inc. VAT) – Goods and Services | Council Executive authority to accept Tenders and compliance with Public Procurement Regulations 2015 required and from 25/02/25 The Procurement Act 2023 will replace PCR 2015 and will apply. Tenders are invited via notices on Contracts Finder/ Find a Tender (from 24/02/25 The Central Digital Platform will replace Contracts Finder/ Find a Tender services); and tender exercises are run using The Chest (Proactis). Trade journals may be used to advertise as appropriate |
| Above: £5,372,609 (inc. VAT) – Works | As Above. |