Procurement
Good procurement - or purchasing - of goods and services by government ensures the public gets the right public services that provide good outcomes and offer value for money
Overview
All public bodies are under pressure to reduce spending, but they still need to maintain important services which people need. By procuring - spending - more effectively, the public sector can positively change the way many services operate. But that does require improved procurement skills and strong leadership to bring about change. It also means working more closely with providers from the private and third sectors as well as existing public sector providers.
CBI policy
Improving procurement will mean a new approach to the relationship between the public and private sector. By engaging with members and working closely with the Cabinet Office, we’ve put together a Seven Point Plan for improving UK procurement. It sets out the steps require to ensure that procurement gets the right product at the right price and delivers the right results.
There have been significant changes in the procurement landscape. But we want to see the reform process spread across all parts of government, to ensure a more effective and mutually beneficial approach to maximising the value of public spending and delivering better results for the public and private sector.
Public sector procurement is also a powerful tool for ensuring public services meet particular policy goals. It can promote environmental and social equality objectives, but it should do so in a way that makes clear the requirements placed on contractors.
News and publications

CBI responds to the launch of Government procurement pledge
The CBI responded to the launch of the Government’s procurement pledge, announcements on sectoral pipelines, and specific action to support the tunnelling sector

CBI airs concerns on EU third-country access plans
Business group will continue to argue against what it feels are protectionist measures

EU public procurement reform package welcomed
The CBI met with EU representatives to present the CBI's views on the recent Commission proposals on public procurement

Seven-point plan to improve procurement in the UK
Ask businesses in the UK to characterise their experiences of trying to sell to the Government you’ll be left with a sense of frustration about a procurement system that is beset with delays and complexity
CBI comments on Public Accounts committee report on PFI
The CBI today commented on the Committee of Public Accounts’ report on the use of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) in housing and hospitals. Elizabeth Fells, CBI Head of Public Services Reform, said: “PFI has resulted in hundreds of hospitals, homes and schools being built, benefiting communities up and down the land. I

CBI calls for greater competition in social housing
The CBI says opening up social housing to greater competition could lead to better quality homes for tenants and considerable savings for taxpayers, as well delivering other social and economic benefits
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