I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to your organisation’s response to:
1. The implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, and the National Procurement Policy Statement effective from 24 February 2025.
2. The Local Government Association’s (LGA) Transformation Guidance and associated outcomes.
1. The Procurement Act 2023
We understand that, from 24 February 2025, all public sector bodies are required to align procurement activity with the Procurement Act 2023.
These core changes require contracting authorities to ensure that all procurement and tendering activity is undertaken in a manner that benefits prospective suppliers of all sizes, particularly small businesses, start-ups, and social enterprises.
Whilst we are aware that public sectors are required to formally publish Pipeline Notices, that detail forthcoming public contracts with an estimated value of over £2m, of which are accessible to prospective tenderers, in conjunction with their registration of the Central Digital Platform and various e-tendering services, for example, Pro-Contract, In-Tend, Coupa etc.,
In light of this, we request:
a. Details of the preparations, processes, and procedures your organisation has implemented to specifically meet the requirements of inclusive procurement as outlined above.
b. Contact details of the teams or individuals responsible for early engagement with small businesses, start-ups, and social enterprises, to ensure these groups are not disadvantaged in public procurement opportunities.
c. Information on how your organisation plans to manage, monitor, and measure performance in these areas.
d. Details of the e-tendering solution you use.
2. Local Government Association Transformation Guidance
The LGA is actively promoting transformational change in local government, with a focus on improving systems, processes, workforce skills, and overall service delivery. These efforts have strong links to procurement strategy and Pipeline Notice planning.
Please provide the following:
a. Contact details of your key Transformation Leads.
b. The processes and procedures these leads follow to ensure that small businesses, start-ups, and social enterprises are considered as potential support or delivery partners.
c. Details of major transformation strategies and initiatives undertaken in the past 12 months, including whether any have upcoming additional or secondary delivery phases.
d. Information on key transformation outcomes or milestones your organisation is targeting over the next two years.