Public Procurement consultation: Growing British industry, jobs and skills

Statement

I am pleased to announce today the Government is publishing a consultation outlining our plans for further reforms to public procurement aimed at strengthening British industry, creating jobs, and enhancing skills - building on the publication of the Industrial Strategy White Paper this week. This consultation is intended to inform the development of primary legislation when parliamentary time allows.

In these times of global economic uncertainty, public procurement has a crucial role to play in boosting domestic competitiveness and strengthening British businesses. With £385 billion spent annually on goods, works, and services, procurement is a powerful tool for national renewal, allowing local communities to benefit from investments in skills and access to quality jobs.

This consultation builds on the Procurement Act 2023, aligns with our new National Procurement Policy Statement, and will help deliver the Government’s Industrial Strategy. We will maximise value for money and enhance the UK’s economic resilience. Strategic use of our procurement spend will protect supply chains, create new opportunities for local small businesses, and generate meaningful jobs, delivering better outcomes for taxpayers.

These reforms will put public procurement in service of the people - empowering British businesses, supporting social enterprise, safeguarding our national interests, and addressing today’s challenges while fostering a fairer and more prosperous future for all.

Through this consultation, the Government is seeking the views of businesses, stakeholders, and parliamentarians to inform the ongoing development of our public procurement reforms and ensure they deliver for people and communities across the UK. I welcome your analysis and insights, as well as the perspectives of businesses and individuals in your constituencies. The consultation is now live on gov.uk and will remain open until 5 September 2025.