UK Procurement Glossary
Procurement Act 2023
The UK's post-Brexit reform of public sector procurement law, in force from 24 February 2025 — replaces PCR 2015 and modernises UK procurement rules.
Definition
The Procurement Act 2023 is the most substantial reform of UK public sector procurement law in a decade. It came into force on 24 February 2025, replacing the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 for procurements started after that date. The Act simplifies and modernises UK procurement, introduces new flexibilities (the "competitive flexible procedure"), strengthens transparency, and embeds new exclusion grounds and SME-friendly provisions.
For suppliers, the Procurement Act 2023 changes terminology and notice types, introduces the Central Digital Platform for supplier information, and updates the standstill and challenge framework. Bid teams need to know which procurement is under PCR 2015 (legacy) versus Procurement Act 2023 (current) — the rules differ in important detail.
How this affects your bid
Check the procurement procedure cited in the tender documents. Procurements started before 24 February 2025 continue under PCR 2015; those after run under the Procurement Act 2023. Notice types and standstill rules differ.
Common questions about procurement act 2023
Does the Procurement Act 2023 apply across the UK?
It applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own equivalent legislation (Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, updated).
What are the new procedures under the Act?
The Act introduces a new "competitive flexible procedure" that gives buyers more discretion in how they run procurements, alongside retained open and restricted variants.
Related terms
Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015)
The pre-Procurement Act 2023 UK procurement rules, still applicable to procurements sta…
Find a Tender Service (FTS)
The UK government's official portal for public-sector contract opportunities above the …
Social Value
The additional economic, social and environmental benefits a supplier brings beyond the…
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