Big Changes in UK Public Procurement: What You Need to Know

On April 24, 2025, a significant shift occurred in the landscape of UK public procurement law with the introduction of the Public Procurement (Revocation) Regulations 2025. But what does this mean for you, and why should you care?

What's Happening?

The new regulations, set to take effect 21 days after their creation, are part of the wider initiative under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. Essentially, these regulations are revoking certain EU-derived laws that previously governed public procurement in the UK. The aim? To streamline and simplify the legal framework post-Brexit.

Key Details:

• The regulations revoke specific pieces of subordinate legislation and assimilated EU laws that no longer have any legal impact in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Among the laws being repealed are decisions relating to procurement in sectors like water, energy, and transport, and a regulation establishing a standard form for the European Single Procurement Document.

Why This Matters:

For businesses and entities involved in public procurement, these changes could mean less red tape and potentially more straightforward processes. The UK government aims to tailor its procurement laws to better fit national needs instead of adhering to outdated EU directives.

Impact Assessment:

Interestingly, a full impact assessment wasn't deemed necessary for these changes. The government believes that the revocation will not significantly impact the private, voluntary, or public sectors. This suggests that the laws being revoked were largely redundant or obsolete.

What’s Next?

With the revocation of these laws, stakeholders should stay informed about any new guidelines or regulations that may replace the old ones. While the immediate impact might be minimal, the long-term effects could lead to further reforms in how public procurement is conducted in the UK.

For more detailed information, an Explanatory Memorandum is available on the UK legislation website, offering further insights into these regulatory changes.

In summary, the Public Procurement (Revocation) Regulations 2025 mark a step towards a more autonomous legal framework for public procurement in the UK, reflecting the nation's post-Brexit legislative evolution. Keep an eye out for further updates as the UK continues to refine its approach to public procurement.