Overview

This bill mandates that UK public bodies prioritize purchasing goods made in the UK. It aims to boost domestic manufacturing and the British economy by creating a presumption in favor of British-made goods during procurement.

Description

The British Goods (Public Sector Purchasing Duty) Bill places a legal duty on UK contracting authorities (public bodies that purchase goods and services) to prefer goods originating in the United Kingdom when making purchasing decisions. This obligation overrides existing procurement rules established in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which prioritize open competition. However, the duty explicitly excludes contracting authorities whose responsibilities are primarily within devolved administrations (Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).

The bill defines "contracting authority," "Northern Ireland devolved functions," "Welsh devolved functions," and "Scottish devolved functions" consistently with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The act will come into effect 90 days after it is passed and applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (with the previously mentioned exceptions).

Government Spending

The bill's direct impact on government spending is unclear. While it may lead to increased spending on UK-produced goods, potentially at higher prices than imports, it could also lead to cost savings in the long run by supporting domestic industries and creating jobs. No specific figures are available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• UK Public Bodies: These bodies will now face a legal requirement to prioritize UK-made goods, potentially affecting their procurement processes and budget allocation.
• UK Businesses: Domestic manufacturers stand to benefit from increased demand for their goods, while businesses importing goods may experience a decrease in sales to the public sector.
• Consumers: Indirectly affected through the potential for higher taxes or increased costs of public services if UK-made goods are more expensive.
• Devolved Administrations: Public bodies in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are largely exempt unless their procurement falls outside of devolved responsibilities.

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