Procurement and contracts

How procurement works

Understand our procurement processes and access guidance for suppliers.

How we buy

Suppliers win Council business through a structured bidding process.

We are committed to making procurement fair, transparent and accessible, ensuring our approach delivers value for money and positive outcomes for Liverpool.

Procurement routes

The procurement route we use depends on the estimated value of the requirement:

  • Contracts under £25,000

    Suppliers will normally be invited to submit a quotation.

  • Contracts above £25,000

    Suppliers may be invited to submit a tender through the Council's tendering portal or another compliant procurement route.

  • Higher value procurements

    Higher value procurements are carried out in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). Certain healthcare services are subject to separate requirements under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

What is the Procurement Act?

The Procurement Act 2023 introduced a new public procurement regime in the UK. It aims to make procurement simpler, more transparent and accessible.

This means:

  • more opportunities for suppliers, including SMEs, voluntary organisations and social enterprises
  • improved transparency requirements
  • measures that support prompt payment throughout supply chains

The Act is supported by the Central Digital Platform where suppliers can register, access opportunities and view procurement notices from public sector organisations.

What is the Provider Selection Regime?

The Provider Selection Regime (PSR) applies to certain healthcare services in England.

Different procurement rules apply when arranging certain healthcare services under the PSR. It does not apply to most goods, services and works procured by the Council.

Further guidance