A new central hub will change how public procurement works to make opportunities more visible and transparent, bringing additional requirements for suppliers.
After multiple changes to how public procurement works in recent years, more new regulations have been laid before parliament – and at least some of their provisions are expected to come into force on 1 April 2026. As a result, suppliers to government and public bodies will have to provide more information about their contracts.
The Procurement (Amendment) Regulations 2026 will require suppliers awarded below-threshold contracts to confirm their registration on the new Central Digital Platform and provide a unique identifier code.
There are no new penalties for non-compliance, but there is a higher risk of challenge for not registering on the Central Digital Platform.
What do the changes to public procurement mean for suppliers and public bodies?
Suppliers will need to provide core information such as corporate identity data, contact details, and core eligibility information, while public bodies will be required to publish any payments they make over £30,000 with a view to improving public scrutiny of public spending.
Below-threshold contracts are notifiable if the value is £12,000 or greater for central government, or £30,000 or greater for contracts with other public authorities – and which are not exempt, not a concession contract, and not a utilities contract.
Suppliers to public bodies may already be familiar with the Central Digital Platform, as it has historically been the platform used to view invitations to tender, contract, and manage data relating to awards since the retirement of Contract Finder in February 2025.
What can suppliers and public bodies do to prepare for the changes?
Now is the time for public bodies and suppliers to such bodies to register on the new Central Digital Platform and ensure legal and procurement teams are made aware of changes in anticipation of these amendments receiving parliamentary approval.
Key takeaways
- Register on the new Central Digital Platform.
- Brief/train staff on updated processes.
- Monitor parliamentary progress of amendments.
Looking to prepare and need a helping hand?
Get in touch and let our Commercial specialists take it from here.
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