What will be the shape of public procurement from 2014?

Public procurement law is set to change, following new draft directives issued by the European Commission in December. The proposals form part of an overall programme aimed at modernising public procurement in the European Union (EU).

Public procurement decisions: how will you be affected by the latest rule changes?

Just when we might be forgiven for thinking the upheavals in procurement law have passed, the rules have changed again. The Public Procurement (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2011 came into force on 1 October 2011.

Playing within the rules: regeneration projects and EU procurement - a return to life before Roanne?

As many public bodies and prospective developers have found to their cost, the application of the procurement rules to development agreements following the case of Jean Auroux and others v Commune of Roanne has delayed many schemes.

Final judgment on LAML opens the door to shared service cooperation

The long awaited Supreme Court ruling in the LAML case (Brent London Borough Council v Risk Management Partners Limited) was handed down yesterday. This clears the way for an increase in shared service models and other intra authority cooperation arrangements.

The retreat from Roanne continued? Commission v Spain (Case C-306/08)

Consideration of the application of the EU procurement rules to development agreements by the European Court continues with the publication of the Advocate General's opinion in the case of European Commission v Spain on 16 September.

Liberating the NHS: Regulating healthcare providers

The Department of Health is consulting on a range of radical initiatives linked to the Health White Paper. One of these: 'Liberating the NHS: regulating healthcare providers', concerns its proposal to establish Monitor as an economic regulator for the healthcare sector.

Getting tough on tendering. The impact of the new Remedies Directive

A radical overhaul of the remedies available under the existing public procurement regime came into force yesterday in the form of the Public Contracts (Amendments) Regulations 2009 (SI2009/2992) which implement the Remedies Directive.

Court of Appeal and ECJ beg to differ on legality of shared service arrangements: Brent LBC v Risk Management Partners (the LAML case) and Commission v Germany

On 9 June 2009, the Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in Brent LBC v Risk Management Partners, upholding the insurance provider's claim for damages for breach of the procurement rules.

Promoting well-being - caution rules again? Brent LBC v Risk Management Partners: (the LAML case) part one

For many years, innovative actions by local authorities have been stifled by concerns over the scope of their powers. Some legislation contains deliberate and specific constraints on local authority activities.

OGC announces tightening of penalties for public procurement abuses

On 30 April 2009, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) launched its 12-week long second-stage consultation on the implementation in UK law of the new Remedies Directive (Council Directive 2007/66/EC).

Monitor strengthens the hand of the NHS Co-operation and Competition Panel

In January 2009, the Co-operation and Competition Panel for NHS-funded services opened for business. The panel will investigate and advise the Secretary of State for Health and Monitor on potential competition breaches.

Fast-tracking procurements of 'major public projects'

The European Commission has announced that it is prepared to accept more widespread use of the accelerated restricted procedure to procure 'major public projects' in 2009 and 2010 due to the current economic climate.

Department of Health publishes key guidance documents for commissioners

In May 2008, the Department of Health published the PCT Procurement Guide and Framework for Managing Choice, Cooperation and Competition. Read Wragge & Co's expert advice and comment on what this new guide could mean.

HM Treasury announces reform of Government Procurement