WQ87309 (w) Tabled on 31/01/2023

What is the status of any requests the Welsh Government made to the Westminster Government on tabling amendments to the UK Procurement Bill (that is, were the requests accepted or refused)?

Answered by Minister for Finance and Local Government | Answered on 10/02/2023

The current status of each of the amendments the Welsh Government have asked to be tabled is set out below:

  • An amendment to the definition of a devolved Welsh authority.

This amendment has been accepted and was tabled in the House of Commons on 25 January.

  • An amendment in relation to the commencement powers contained within the Bill.

This amendment has been accepted and was tabled in the House of Commons on 2 February 

  • An amendment to the powers to make consequential provisions to reflect powers for Welsh Ministers in the area.

This amendment has been accepted and was tabled in the House of Commons on 25 January.

  • An amendment for a disapplication power for the Welsh Ministers to make regulations equivalent to the power of the UK Government in relation to healthcare services.

Welsh Ministers decided not to pursue the inclusion of a disapplication power in the Bill as both disapplication and creation powers were required to effect change. As such, Welsh Ministers will bring forward Senedd legislation which includes both the disapplication and creation powers together.

  • An amendment which has the effect of ensuring that a Welsh contracting authority’s duty to have regard to the Wales Procurement Policy Statement will not be enforceable in civil proceedings.

This amendment was accepted and was tabled in the House of Lords on 27 June.