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24 February 2026
Procurement Act 2023: Reflections one year on and how it's driving smarter framework solutions
The 24 February 2026 marks one year since The Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) came into force. The introduction of the Act replaced the outdated, EU-derived regulations and aimed to simplify how contracts are awarded, whilst giving a greater focus on the role of social value.
The new legislation was designed to act as a strategic enabler to support improved outcomes, as well as innovate and drive value for money. A summary of the core benefits of the Act includes:
- Greater flexibility in procurement design - allowing authorities to tailor processes for better market engagement, outcome-aligned specifications, and enhanced post-award contract management.
- Increased transparency and governance - while transparency requirements have increased the administrative load, they have also improved clarity and accountability across procurement activities.
- Improved conditions for innovation – removing structural barriers, though full benefits hinge on authorities confidently leveraging these flexibilities alongside robust governance and collaboration.
Although it is still too early to claim significant efficiencies, in this article we share our reflections since the legislation changed and the tangible benefits that have already emerged across our own activity.
Supporting our members and partners through legislative change
To help our Members and partners navigate the new legislative changes and minimise the need to interpret the Act independently, we provided targeted support over the past 12 months.
The NEPO Supplier Partnership Programme (NSPP), launched in 2023, now integrates PA23 compliance across its free workshops, webinars, bid-writing masterclasses and one-to-one surgeries – helping suppliers adapt confidently to the new regulations.
We're here to help!
Whether you're a procurement professional or a supplier, we've got you covered! Find all the information around the Procurement Act 2023 below, including tips, events and training:
Since PA23 came into force, we've rolled out our new Open e-procurement system to our Member Authorities, with several Regional and National Associate Members now onboarded, streamlining procurement processes, enhancing transparency, and simplifying bidding in line with the Act's requirements.
Find out more and register to our e-procurement platform: Open
Diversification and expansion of our framework solutions
Over the past year, we have progressed multiple PA23-compliant solutions, including:
- Highways Surfacing (NEPO210)
- Aggregates, Concrete & Pre-cast (NEPO222)
- Election & Electoral Registration Printing (NEPO504)
- Office, Education & Catering Supplies (NEPO502)
- Children’s & Adult’s Barristers (NEPO515)
Furthermore, our NEPRO specialist solutions have evolved from a single solution into a broader portfolio, with two new frameworks delivered under PA23, offering trusted, outcome-driven support to public sector buyers and suppliers across the UK:
NEPRO Innovation: Recently launched in February 2026, NEPRO Innovation is a future-focused solution, designed by NEPO experts to help the public sector deliver complex innovation projects with confidence. Managed by our delivery partner, Constellia, NEPRO Innovation provides a single, flexible framework for procuring goods, services, works, technology, and research & development.
NEPRO Financial Resilience: Due to launch in the spring of 2026, NEPRO Financial Resilience, is a specialist solution designed to strengthen partnerships between local authorities and enhance financial stability. It connects public sector buyers with expert providers who support savings, recovery, and sustainable long-term outcomes.
Find out more about NEPRO's specialist solutions at nepro.org.uk
Our commitment to embedding social value in procurement
The introduction of the Procurement Act aimed to put a spotlight on the role of social value in procurement and over the course of the last 12 months we have continued to ensure that social value remains at the heart of our procurement programmes.
Working in partnership with Member Authorities, suppliers and other key stakeholders, we have delivered tangible social value outcomes across the region.
Examples have included activities to support and inspire local communities. BAM Construction demonstrated this when they partnered with the Foundation for Good in the summer of 2025 as part of the Wolsington Causeway Bridge maintenance project to deliver a renovation of a learning centre, as well as partnering with schools to deliver careers support to local students.
Helping the environment has also been evidenced through projects such as the planting and maintenance of Wave Woodland at Bearpark by Wave Utilities, suppliers of our Water Retail Services solution.
As social value ambassadors, demonstrating social value impact is paramount and with the continued implementation of the Open system, we hope to build social value reporting into the platform.
Looking ahead: evolution of the Procurement Act in 2026 and beyond
One year on, the Procurement Act has begun to deliver flexibility, transparency, and improved conditions for innovation. However, as the Act continues to evolve, major efficiencies are still expected to develop over time.
At the start of this year, we have seen the introduction of new thresholds for almost all contract types, as well as new requirements for performance metrics, with more key developments due to be implemented.
As the Procurement Act develops and additional changes come into effect, we will continue to play our part in supporting our members, suppliers and partners so they feel confident and don’t have to navigate updates to the legislation alone and can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the changing landscape of public sector procurement.