Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023)
The primary UK legislation governing public sector procurement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, in force from February 2025.
Definition
The Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023) is the primary legislation governing public sector procurement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland that came into effect in February 2025. It replaces the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and introduces a single digital platform for publishing notices, a revised notice structure, a best-value test replacing MEAT, a public supplier conduct record, and greater emphasis on social value, transparency, and SME participation. PA 2023 is the single most important UK procurement reform since 2015.
How it works in practice
PA 2023 makes several substantive changes that affect bid teams. First, a unified notice structure: Pipeline Notice, Tender Notice, Award Notice, Transparency Notice, Contract Performance Notice, and others, all published on a central digital platform absorbing Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, and other notice channels (Scotland and Wales operate parallel regimes). Second, a best-value test replaces the historical MEAT formulation, with statutory procurement objectives covering value for money, public benefit, transparency, and integrity. Third, a public supplier conduct record: contracting authorities publish KPI outcomes and significant performance issues, building a public record of supplier performance that informs future procurement decisions. Fourth, simplified procurement procedures: Open, Competitive Flexible (a more flexible procedure that absorbs Restricted, Competitive Dialogue, and Competitive Procedure with Negotiation), and Direct Award (only in specific circumstances). Fifth, SME-friendly design measures including 30-day payment terms in public contracts and prompt payment reporting throughout the supply chain. Suppliers should ensure their Selection Questionnaire content is updated for PA 2023 terminology and that they understand the supplier conduct regime. The KimonBids compliance module helps suppliers track their readiness against PA 2023 requirements.
Common questions
When did the Procurement Act 2023 come into force?
24 February 2025. Procurements commenced before that date continue to run under PCR 2015 / Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 / Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 to their conclusion. New procurements from 24 February 2025 follow PA 2023.
Does the Act apply across the whole UK?
PA 2023 applies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own procurement regime: the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 and the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Scotland is consulting on its own modernisation but at time of writing operates under the existing Scottish framework.
What are the most important practical changes for suppliers?
Updated notice types and central digital platform; best-value test framing replacing MEAT (largely cosmetic); the public supplier conduct record (substantive); 30-day payment terms (substantive for cash flow); and refreshed Selection Questionnaire terminology. The substantive procurement evaluation methodology is broadly similar.
How does PA 2023 affect Scotland and Wales?
Wales is in scope of PA 2023 alongside England and Northern Ireland. Scotland is out of scope; it continues to operate under its own Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. Welsh Government and Scottish Government publish guidance for their respective jurisdictions.