In advance of the Spring Statement 2025, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves confided that there would be no major policy announcements on the day itself. Instead, a raft of big ticket announcements – many of which form part of the UK government’s Plan for Change – have been announced in the run-up to Wednesday 26th March, and the impacts – both to the buyer community and the public sector as a whole – are still being assessed.
In this factsheet, Delta eSourcing explains what has changed, why it matters and what the opportunities are for public sector buyers nationwide.
The buyer opportunity
Previously, the UK government promised a ‘a decade of national renewal, built on the foundations of a stable economy, secure borders and national security’. Now, thanks in part to the Plan for Change, buyers are beginning to the government’s ambitions take shape. The proposed changes have major implications, including.
- Decentralised NHS decision-making: NHS England is no more. Described by the UK government as the ‘world’s largest quango’, the abolition of NHS England is an attempt to reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff. But it is also about decentralisation, accountability and the potential to give policymakers a greater say on NHS decision-making.
- Legislating for Britain’s biggest building boom: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will speed up planning decisions and bypass unnecessary barriers to the delivery of vital infrastructure. It’s designed to build economic prosperity and growth and boost the UK’s clean energy capabilities, but it is also instrumental to the UK government’s ambition of delivering 1.5 million homes this parliament.
- Reprioritising national security: From April 2027 onwards, UK defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP, with the potential for a further rise to 3% during the next Parliament. UK defence exporters will also benefit from a £2 billion increase to UK Export Finance, boosting lending capacity from £8 billion to £10 billion.
For buyers, the opportunities are clear:
- More say on NHS spend: A decentralised NHS could empower healthcare buyers to tailor procurement strategies to the specific needs of their respective regions. This could lead to a more responsive, personalised NHS – one sensitive to the evolving needs of local communities.
- Building capabilities: Accelerating UK housebuilding, energy and infrastructure schemes will require public sector buyers to procure materials and services across a variety of sectors. This surge in demand could lead to long-term supplier partnerships, the adoption of innovative construction techniques and a much-needed boost to regional economies.
- Developing UK defence: As the UK reprioritises defence, demand for state-of-the-art technologies – from artificial intelligence to advanced weaponry – are likely to increase. Buyers will have more opportunities to develop resilient supply chains and solidify the UK’s position as a leader in defence innovation.
How Delta eSourcing can help
Used and trusted by over 500 UK public sector organisations and by approximately 100,000 active suppliers, Delta eSourcing’s eTendering portal simplifies procurement. Our cutting-edge, web-based service allows buying organisations to manage tenders, suppliers and contracts in a single solution – tailored to your organisation. In real terms, we will help you:
- Publish contract notices
- Manage tender exercises
- Conduct collaborative procurements
- Manage and engage with your suppliers
For more, visit www.delta-esourcing.com. Alternatively, why not book a demonstration today?
