The Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) came into force on 24th February 2025, introducing a major overhaul of public procurement procedures for Contracting Authorities, including Local Authority Maintained Schools. This is a reminder of the requirements now in place:
The Act introduced increased transparency requirements, simplified procedures, and strategic procurement requirements, emphasising value for money, social value and long-term commissioning outcomes.
From 1st January 2026, the following public contract thresholds were introduced;
Type of contract Threshold amount (including VAT)
Works contract £5,193,000
Contracts for the supply of goods or services £207,720
Contracts for the supply of Light Touch services* £663,540
*Light Touch contracts relate to specified services for social, health and people-focused services
Any new contracts for works, goods or services above these threshold amounts need to follow the requirements of the Act and have related procurement Notices published through the government’s Find a Tender Service LINK: Find a Tender
Generally, the following Notices are required to be published depending on the chosen buying route;
UK2 – Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
UK4 – Tender Notice
UK5 – Transparency Notice
UK6 – Contract Award Notice – NOTE: A UK6 Notice is also required for above-threshold call-offs from Frameworks
UK7 – Contract Details Notice – NOTE: A UK7 Notice is also required for above-threshold call-offs from Frameworks
UK9 – Contract Performance Notice
UK10 – Contract Change Notice
UK11 – Contract Termination Notice
UK12 – Procurement Termination Notice
Schools should complete the Cabinet Office’s Transforming Public Procurement training, which includes 10 one-hour modules covering regulation changes, frameworks, transparency, and competitive flexible procedures. These free e-learning modules can be accessed through the DfE’s ‘Buying for Schools’ page Buying for schools – GOV.UK
Procurement support services are not covered by the Council’s Legal Services Service Level Agreement however, additional help and support for undertaking compliant procurement procedures is available through the DfE’s ‘Buying for Schools’ page Buying for schools – GOV.UK
If you require any further support please contact Victoria.Maw@northumberland.gov.uk
