FOI Request 2156

Subject: Procurement Act 2023 and Local Government Association Transformation Guidance

Status: Complete

Date received: May 2025

Question Asked:

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to your organisation’s response to:

The implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, and the National Procurement Policy Statement effective from 24 February 2025.
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 Transformance 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.

Our Response:

Please see our response below to your Freedom of Information Request:

1. The Procurement Act 2023

a) Details of the preparations, processes and procedures your organisation has implemented to specifically meet the requirements of inclusive procurement as outlined above.

The Commercial Team (Procurement) have undertaken the Government/Cabinet Office Knowledge Drops, E-Learning Modules and some staff have completed the Deep Dives. Additionally staff have joined Cabinet Office/Gov Webinars related to PA23. BlueLight Commercial have also run webinars/training on PA23 which the team have attended. Updated Standing Orders and Financial Regulations have been adopted by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire (published on website). Registered organisation on the Central Digital Platform (Find a Tender Service) and linked CDP with e-sender. Procurement documentation (ie template quote and tender documents) for procedures to be progressed under PA23 has been prepared. The Team are aware of all the new notices and what needs to be published and when and at what level.

No information held - in that there is not a document setting out this. All members of the Commercial Team (Procurement) are responsible for this aligned to the requirements of PA23.

c) Information on how your organisation plans to manage, monitor, and measure performance in these areas.

No information held - in that there is not a document setting this out. We will record information as required by the Act as each procurement is undertaken.

d) Details of the e-tendering solution you use.

This information is already publicly available from relevant notices published at the time of award and is visible/displayed on the webpage when accessing our tenders/contracts - In-Tend. The link to the page to assist you is

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2. Local Government Association Transformance Guidance

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.

No information available - The LGA is not applicable to Police - so as not applicable we do not have any information for the title or items 1-4.

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO

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Last updated: Thursday, 22 January 2026