UK announces procurement and insourcing measures in state reform

On 27 September, the Cabinet Office announced reforms intended to direct public spending toward the public interest. Electricity, gas and water-network companies will be expected to use investment to support UK manufacturing skills, jobs and apprenticeships; the government said it could legislate if companies do not follow that approach when parliamentary time allows.

The National Shipbuilding Office will oversee future civil ship procurement to create a clearer, more predictable pipeline. A new unit in the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet will coordinate insourcing of critical services and identify barriers; the government said it would consider bringing some services, including building management, back in-house as current contracts end from 2028.