How the Procurement Act 2023 and National Care Service Plans Could Collide
Social care commissioning is already complex — and 2025’s mix of new procurement legislation alongside hints of a future National Care Service (NCS) risks making it even more so.
While the Procurement Act 2023 is designed to simplify, standardise, and increase transparency, any move towards an NCS could disrupt or overwrite local commissioning structures entirely.
⚖️ Where They Overlap — and Where They Clash
- Procurement Act 2023: Aims for open, fair, and competitive markets. Supports SME access. Prioritises transparency.
- National Care Service Proposals: Focus on centralised control, standardised commissioning, reduced variation, and alignment with NHS structures.
One encourages diverse, competitive tendering. The other points to reduced duplication through centralised contracts and frameworks.
📌 What This Means for Providers
In the short term, you still need to comply with new procurement rules, including transparency notices, pipelines, and more robust evaluation processes.
But in the medium term, pay attention to how central government policy evolves — especially around standardising care models, fee structures, and outcomes measures.
If an NCS materialises, the market may shift from dozens of local authority tenders to fewer, larger, centrally managed contracts.
🔑 Key Actions for Providers
- Stay updated on Procurement Act implementation timelines and expectations
- Ensure your tendering processes are transparent, evidenced, and compliant
- Prepare for both routes: competitive procurement and potential NCS frameworks
- Review your bid strategy — are you too reliant on small local tenders?
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🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
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🚀 Ready to Win Your Next Bid?
Chat on WhatsApp or email Mike.Harrison@impact-guru.co.uk
Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)