The last pieces relating to the implementation of the new directives have now been issued. The Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (“UCR”) and the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 (“CCR”) were laid before Parliament on 17 March. Both the UCR and the CCR will come into force on 18 April 2016.
The UCR cover the procurement of goods, services and works above the EU thresholds by utilities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors. The UCR replace the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2006.
The CCR regulate the award of works and services concessions by contract authorities and utilities and replace regulations 36 and 37 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.
A third set of regulations, the Public Procurement (Amendments, Repeals and Revocations) Regulations 2016, are also due to come into force on 18 April 2016. These regulations make amendments to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and other primary and secondary legislation as a result of the implementation of the UCR and CCR.
If you would like any further information or specific advice, please get in touch with John Houlden, Stephanie Rickard, or Patrick Parkin in our Procurement team.