Finance Minister today updated business
representatives on increases to procurement control limits for
firms involved in government contracts up to £50,000.
The Minister was speaking at a roundtable with business bodies
and representatives.
Commenting after the meeting, Minister O'Dowd
said: “It is widely accepted current procurement
limits have not kept up with inflationary uplifts over recent
years.
“Introducing these changes will help speed up the
procurement process with the increased limits enabling
departments, and the wider public sector, to make more local
spending decisions.
“The changes will allow public bodies to target spend
towards micro businesses and the voluntary, community and social
enterprise sectors which deliver vital services in our
communities.”
The Minister added: “I am committed to ensuring our
procurement practices are simplified and are easily accessible
for businesses. I believe this change is a step in the right
direction, streamlining procurement practices and delivering for
local businesses.
“These changes will make it easier for the public sector
to do business and importantly for businesses to bid, negotiate
and work in partnership with the public sector.”
Notes to editors:
- More information on the changes is available online at:
www.finance-ni.gov.uk/articles/procurement-policy-note-ppn-0421-procurement-control-limits-frequently-asked-questions-faqs
- Due to the specialist nature of their work, Utilities and the
Department of Health had higher Procurement Control Limits in
previous versions of the Procurement Control Limits and these
increased levels have been maintained.
- Key changes are an increase in the lower threshold from
£5,000 to £10,000 for all sectors except for Health Bodies which
will see an increase from £10,000 to £20,000. The threshold for
advertising tenders will increase from £30,000 to £50,000 for all
sectors except for Utilities which will see an increase from
£50,000 to £65,000.
