Scottish Procurement Bill will deliver on profit promise

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The Scottish Procurement Reform Bill, currently undergoing a period of consultation, seeks to ensure that Scottish Business is the main beneficiary of public procurement via a new system of increased transparency and standardisation in the way that procurement is handled at a public level.

Alex Neil, Scottish Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment said.  “That will include producing more training opportunities, for example through making apprenticeships an integral part of major public contracts.”

“That is why this Bill will drive procurement reform further forward by embedding good policy, systems and practice in legislation to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits.”
The SNP administration is committed to radically transform public procurement in Scotland and made its intentions clear in the new consultation document.  The Government proposes opening up opportunities for SMEs and the voluntary sector in government contracts.

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“There is still room for further improvement to ensure taxpayers’ money is used to best effect,” Mr. Neil said. “More effective and efficient public services will play a key economic and social role in Scotland’s future, and public procurement is an important lever for change.”

The effect of the bill cannot yet be properly calculated, however it is thought that around 25 percent of the £9 billion spent each year in contracts unnecessarily leaves the country.  The Bill may come into action later this year.