EU stalls on plans for public sector procurement shake-up
December launch on hold as Europe puts finishing touches to new procurement directives
EU plans to shake up procurement activity within public sector organisations, including NHS trusts, have stalled.
It was thought that the new directives would be approved by the European Parliament on 9 December.
However, this date has slipped and the adoption at EU level of the new public procurement directives has been delayed to early next year.
Consequently, this will delay the implementation of these rules into the UK's domestic procurement regime.
A spokesman at the Cabinet Office said the Government is still keen to implement the new directives as soon as possible, although there is no new indication as to its proposed timetable in light of the delay at European level.
Ministers have also stated that up to 15 discussion papers will be issued before 31 December addressing policy choices. These will help inform decision making on preferred options and a formal consultation on the draft implementing regulations will follow.