Izzy Lepone 29 July 2025

Councils are ‘cautious’ about Procurement Act, survey reveals

Councils are ‘cautious’ about Procurement Act, survey reveals image
Magnifying glass highlighting the word "PROCUREMENT" on a document, next to a calculator and a book. © Ihar Halavach / Shutterstock.com.

Almost 30% of council staff believe there is insufficient training to back the launch of the new Procurement Act, research reveals.

A survey by the Commercial Services Group and Focaldata researchers found that 9.5% of procurement leaders in local government think the Act will be unsuccessful in its potential to ‘strengthen workforce capacity or capability’, whilst only 8.4% believe it would enhance workforce wellbeing.

Out of 500 survey respondents, nearly 50% are also concerned that a lack of resources could ‘hinder collaboration between authorities’, with over 30% identifying ‘regulatory compliance’ as a possible obstacle.

The Commercial Services Group argues that the survey demonstrates the ‘mix of cautious optimism and concern’ amongst councils in response to the Act, which seeks to boost economic development in line with the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) priorities.

Tarryn Kerr, MD of Procurement Services, Commercial Services Group, said: ‘Councils are under a lot of pressure, balancing regulatory changes, limited resources, and a growing demand for services. The new Procurement Act will be a powerful tool for positive change, but only if we get the support and strategic intent right.

‘That means stronger guidance from central government, and visible leadership from the top. The new act could unlock long-term value for local authorities and vastly improve outcomes for local communities, but we can’t treat it as just another tick-box exercise.’

If you are interested in learning more about local government procurement, then check out the Local Government Procurement Index by Tussell and LocalGov, which breaks down who local authorities spent their procurement budgets with in 2024.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist

Essex County Council
£57954.0000 - £61664.0000 per annum
Specialist Senior Educational PsychologistPermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Scale B from 3 to 5 plus SPA Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Complaints Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £130.0000 per day
Complaints Officer Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary 6 Months Contract £101.37 PAYE / £130.00 Umbrella - daily rate Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Practitioner - Level 2 Qualified

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring energy, care and creativity to the start of a child's journeyBring energy, care and creativity to the start of a child's journeyAs an Early Year England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Early Years Practitioner - Level 2 Qualified - FT and PT

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring energy, care and creativity to the start of a child's journeyBring energy, care and creativity to the start of a child's journeyAs an Early Year England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Technical Architect

Essex County Council
£63001 - £74118 per annum
Interviews will be held W/C 20th and 27th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the f England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner