Procurement Bill to mandate prompt payment
The Cabinet Office leads on how the Government spends some £300bn of public funds annually. It is currently navigating the post-Brexit Procurement Bill – which will shape how the public sector buys goods, services and works - through Parliament, on the way to it becoming law.
ECA’s Rob Driscoll Chairs the Cabinet Office Payment Advisory Group. This Group has been raising high level awareness that, while current UK enactment of EU law states tiers 1, 2 and 3 should be paid in 30 days under public sector contracts, there has been no reliable way of knowing if this really happens. However, following a meeting with Ministers Baroness Neville-Rolfe and Brendan Clarke-Smith MP this month, Rob Driscoll advises that the forthcoming Bill now includes provisions to establish 30-day payment within the public sector by:
- ensuring 30-day payment will be a mandatory implied term into tier 1, 2 and 3 construction contracts – overriding any other payment terms within relevant contracts (widely regarded as a milestone achievement); and
- requiring public sector procurers to report on their payment performance in the same way as the private sector.
Should the new provisions be enacted as currently proposed, non-compliance would then be dealt with by the Public Procurement Review Service, supported by the Small Business Commissioner.
This article first appeared on the ECA news and blog site under the same title dated October 14, 2022.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Connected procurement.
- Difference between procurement and purchasing.
- European Single Procurement Document ESPD.
- Maintenance Repair Operations MRO.
- Procurement policy.
- Procurement route – frequently asked questions.
- Procurement strategy.
- Public procurement.
- Renovate, operate, transfer (ROT).
- Subcontract procurement.
- Transforming Public Procurement Green Paper.
- Two-stage tender.
- What is the most common procurement route?
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).