Overview

This bill mandates that UK public bodies prioritize purchasing goods made in the UK. It aims to boost the domestic economy by increasing demand for British-made products, overriding some existing procurement rules.

Description

The British Goods (Public Sector Purchasing Duty) Bill places a legal duty on contracting authorities (public bodies) to favour UK-origin goods in their purchasing decisions. This duty overrides the principles of procurement outlined in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which implemented the Public Sector Procurement Directive (2014/24/EU). However, the duty doesn't apply to authorities whose primary functions are devolved to Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. The definitions of "contracting authority" and devolved functions are taken directly from the 2015 regulations. The bill will come into effect 90 days after it becomes law and applies to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly specified in terms of financial figures. However, it is likely to result in increased spending on UK-produced goods, potentially at the expense of lower-cost imports. The overall financial effect is difficult to predict without further analysis of specific procurement decisions.

Groups Affected

• UK Businesses: Potentially positive impact through increased sales to public sector organizations.
• Public Sector Organizations: Increased administrative burden and potentially higher procurement costs, depending on price differences between UK-made and imported goods.
• Foreign Businesses: Potentially negative impact due to reduced access to the UK public sector market.
• UK Consumers: Indirect impact, potentially through higher taxes (to cover increased costs) or through the impact on the cost of public services.

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