The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025
The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025 implements crucial updates to UK procurement law, including revised threshold amounts for contract values, amendments to international trade obligations, and comprehensive changes to primary and secondary legislation.
The regulations modernize procurement processes, strengthen security measures, and establish transitional provisions while ensuring alignment with international agreements.
Arguments For
Updates procurement thresholds to align with current WTO Agreement on Government Procurement standards, ensuring compliance with international obligations
Streamlines procurement processes by consolidating and updating various regulations across different sectors
Strengthens national security considerations in procurement by introducing more robust supplier exclusion mechanisms
Enhances transparency and efficiency through modernized digital platforms and notification requirements
Provides clear transitional arrangements to ensure business continuity during regulatory changes
Arguments Against
Introduces complexity through multiple simultaneous regulatory changes across different sectors
Creates potential administrative burden for contracting authorities adapting to new requirements
May require significant updates to existing procurement systems and processes
Could impact ongoing procurement procedures during transition period
Necessitates additional training and guidance for procurement professionals
The Minister for the Cabinet Office makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 89(3), 95(1), (2) and (3), 113(1), 116(2), 122(3), 125(1) and (2) of, and paragraphs 2, 3(a) and 5(1) of Schedule 1, paragraphs 2(6), 3(3) and 6(4) and (5) of Schedule 2 and paragraphs 1(3), 2(3), 2(4) and 3(5) and (6) of Schedule 4 to, the Procurement Act 2023.
The Cabinet Office Minister has authority to make these regulations under specific sections of the Procurement Act 2023.
These powers allow for amendments to procurement thresholds, international obligations, and related legislative changes.
These Regulations, except for Part 1 and regulation 3, come into force on the 24th February 2025. Part 1 and regulation 3 come into force on the 23rd February 2025.
Most regulations take effect on February 24, 2025, while Part 1 and regulation 3 begin one day earlier on February 23, 2025.
This staged implementation helps manage the transition to new procurement rules.
Chapter 1 of Part 2 contains amendments to the PA 2023. Regulation 3(2) makes updates to the threshold amounts set out in Schedule 1 to that Act. Those thresholds determine the value above which contracts of different types fall to be regulated by the substantive regime.
Updates to procurement thresholds determine which contracts fall under the new regulatory framework.
These changes align with World Trade Organisation Agreement requirements and reflect current economic conditions.