New guidance explains timing of phased-in Procurement Act 2023 transparency requirements
The Cabinet Office has published new guidance on the latest transparency requirements to come into effect under the phased implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023). The guide details the commencement of PA 2023, ss 69–71 and below threshold identifier requirements. PA 2023, s 69, requiring publication of payments compliance notices (demonstrating compliance with 30-day payment terms), commenced on 1 January 2026, with the first notices due for publication between 31 March and 29 April 2026. From that point notices will be due within 30 days of the last day of each reporting period. PA 2023, s 70, mandating quarterly publication of contract payment information (on payments over £30,000 under public contracts), commences on 1 April 2026 and applies only to procurement procedures commenced on or after that date. Contract payment information must be published within 30 days of each quarter end. PA 2023, s 71, requiring contract performance notices for key performance indicators (KPIs) on contracts valued above £5m annually and upon termination, and breach reporting within 30 days, commenced on 1 January 2026. Finally, from 1 April 2026, contracting authorities must obtain unique identifiers from suppliers awarded notifiable below-threshold contracts valued at £12,000 or more for central government and £30,000 or more for sub-central authorities. Where applicable, the guidance notes relevant exclusions and timescales for procurements regulated by the Welsh Ministers, and various contract types including utilities contracts awarded by private utilities and concession contracts. Annex A to the guidance provides a helpful reminder of the key dates.