Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Authority definition

What does Authority mean? In practice, Authority refers to the public sector client that procures and manages a project or service and is the named counterparty in the contract. In public procurement, PFI/PPP, DBFM/DBFOM and outsourcing documents, it is a contractual shorthand for the “contracting authority” defined in legislation (England & Wales and Northern Ireland: Public Contracts Regulations 2015; Scotland: Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015; Ireland: European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016). Typical Authorities include a local authority, an NHS trust or health board, a central government department or minister, a non‑departmental public body or agency, or another body...

Challenging public procurement pre-Procurement Act 2023: time limits for PCR 2015 claims, ineffectiveness and judicial review (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

Published by a LexisNexis Local Government expert

Practice notes

This practical guidance concerns the regime preceding the Procurement Act 2023. It provides direction pertinent to public procurement processes started before PA 2023 took effect on 24 February 2025. It applies to procurements launched before the Act’s commencement. Any in-scope procurements initiated on or after that date fall under PA 2023. By virtue of the Act’s transitional and savings measures, the earlier procurement frameworks remain in force so far as required for contracting authorities to finalise and administer procurements begun prior to commencement (i.e. ongoing procurements). This Practice Note should be read in that light. For background reading, consult Practice Note: Introduction to the Procurement Act 2023—PA 2023. Additional practical material on PA 2023 appears under a separate subtopic, see: Procurement Act 2023—overview. That subtopic includes the following Practice Note: Challenging a public procurement award—time limits—PA 2023.

What is the scope for challenge under PCR 2015?...

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Deborah Ramshaw

Womble Bond Dickinson

Deborah is a nationally renowned procurement law specialist, noted for her commercial and pragmatic advice to clients. She is also WBD's Head of Procurement. Deborah advises clients in the public and private sector and uses her knowledge of acting for both sectors to provide practical advice on running processes which are as defensible as possible and advising bidders on how to challenge processes.Deborah has a particular interest in advising on procuring innovation and complex projects. Deborah has significant experience in establishing and using framework agreements. Deborah advises clients in a wide range of sectors including central and local government, NHS bodies, education, transport and utilities sectors and third sector organisations....

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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