This update is to let you know that the Government response to the public consultation on the Green Paper on Transforming Public Procurement has been published and you can access it here on gov.uk. NWUPC Ltd also have a page dedicated to 'The Green Paper' and this is regularly updated.
As many of you either responded directly to the consultation or have since asked to be kept updated on progress with the reform programme, we wanted to share the Government's response with you straight away and to thank you for your feedback.
A brief summary from the Cabinet Office: This document summarises the 619 responses with over 17,000 individual comments on the questions in the Green Paper and sets out the Government’s response. We have considered carefully all of the comments received. The level of support for the proposed reforms was high and many responses recognised the ambition and breadth of the package of proposals. The majority of answers to individual questions were positive. In many instances, there is no change to the proposals set out in the Green Paper, however in others we have clarified or amended the proposals based on the consultation feedback. The benefits: The new regime will be simpler, fairer, more flexible and competitive and will be one of the most transparent regimes in the world. It will make it easier for small businesses and social enterprises to win public sector contracts. It will support innovation and reduce costs for both suppliers and the public sector. |
The Government’s response sets out the detailed proposals.
In summary:
Next Steps: We know many of you will have questions or wish to hear more about the response. We will be hosting two open webinars for anyone who wishes to join, please register by using the link on the relevant day.
When: 13th December, 10am–11am and 21st December, 2pm–3pm.
Watch a short animation to find out more about the changes and support to implement them here.
Implementation: To support contracting authorities in taking full advantage of the opportunities the new regime will provide, we are planning a package of guidance and learning and development products. Subject to funding decisions, we intend that this will comprise a comprehensive programme to suit different roles and will be complemented by ongoing communities of practice for procurement and commercial professionals to share experiences and support each other. We will promote this offering as soon as we are able and in time before the new regime comes into effect.
Start of the new procurement regime: Although we cannot yet confirm the start date of the new procurement regime as it is subject to Parliamentary process, we plan to give a minimum of 6 months’ notice before “go-live”, once the legislative process has concluded. This will not be until 2023 at the earliest. The existing legislation will apply until the new regime goes live, and will continue to apply to procurements started under the old rules.
Keeping in touch: If you know colleagues who would like to receive these mailings, please point them to this form. For other matters, please email the Procurement Reform inbox with a clear subject line title – if you no longer wish to receive updates please title your email “unsubscribe”; if you wish to see our data privacy notice, it’s “data privacy” and if you are having difficulty using the online registration form, the title should be “keep me updated”.