By Clare Tetlow LLM FCIPS (CS), Procurement Lead, Procure Plus

Since its implementation a year ago, the Procurement Act 2023 has brought about some of the most significant changes to public procurement across the housing sector. While the Act introduces key changes, there is a risk that different providers may interpret or apply the rules inconsistently. To address this, the sector must work together to drive earlier planning, strengthen governance, and make more strategic decision-making.

Over the past 18 months, Procure Plus has worked closely with social landlords and suppliers to put the new rules into practice. In this time, we’ve procured four closed frameworks – two low carbon frameworks, which are now complete, and lifts maintenance and building safety services frameworks which will both be available for contract award in Spring 2026.

We’ve led the North West Community of Practice, supporting housing providers and our supply chains across the region as they embed the Act into their processes. Through all of this work, we’ve seen how the Act is changing procurement practice, showing us where processes feel familiar and where other areas have required more adjustment.

Putting the rules into practice

Transitional arrangements have been an enormous support to the social housing sector, allowing frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems procured under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 to continue to be used until they expire. This has provided a much-needed continuity, helping organisations to retain access to commercial tools that deliver true value for money, whilst giving teams time to adapt to the new rules and processes required by the Act.

The most noticeable difference we’ve seen has been in adjustments to the standstill process and the new noticing requirements. With the new central digital platform, large and complex procurements have reduced administrative burdens, ensured even more accountability and transparency, and encouraged more opportunities and engagement with SMEs – fulfilling exactly what the Act was set out to achieve.

As our approach has always prioritised keeping procurements proportionate and easy to access, we found that much of our everyday processes haven’t changed, aside for some updates to wording and the order of steps. This has shown us how vital it is to maintain clear, consistent processes that support compliance without creating unnecessary complexity.

The Act has also brought a new challenge to smaller housing providers, shining a light on those housing associations that rely on the rules that apply to below threshold procurement. While the rules haven’t actually changed under the Act, it has made them much clearer. This has taken some adjustment for procurers who need this part of the Act to feel comfortable when examining and updating their tender procedures.

New responsibilities

A significant shift we’ve noticed comes from the additional requirements now placed on public contracts under the Act. The increased transparency has reinforced the need for earlier planning and closer collaboration across procurement and operational teams within housing organisations. This has encouraged more structured project management and contract oversight, ensuring that key decisions are documented and communicated clearly from the outset.

We’ve also seen bidders adapt quickly. Their continued appetite for public procurement suggests that the changes haven’t negatively affected market engagement. While it’s still early to fully assess the competitive flexible procedure or the long-term impact of contract publication, the initial signs are positive.

Shared learning

A standout feature of this first year has been the resilience of procurement professionals across the social housing as it adapts to the new requirements. The North West Community of Practice, has played a vital role in providing space for open, non-judgemental discussions about what the Act means in practice and how complex challenges presented by the Act can be addressed collectively.

Support from the Cabinet Office and the Transforming Public Procurement Programme has also played a critical role in helping to bridge the gap between legislation and operational delivery during this transitional period. Together, this peer and central support have provided a supportive, learning environment and helped organisations adapt to the new obligations, while encouraging continuous innovation and improvements in procurement.

Looking ahead to year two

With strong foundations laid during its first year, it’s clear that the Procurement Act 2023 feels like less of a clean break from the past and more of a significant cultural shift that continues to evolve into its next phase.

The first year has been about implementation and learning, while the challenge for year two will be achieving consistency. The opportunity now lies in moving beyond compliance and using the flexibility of the Act to deliver better outcomes, greater transparency, and real value for the housing sector that benefits everyone across the supply chain.