1.4 The public sector spends over £125 billion a year on goods and services bought from third parties. This is over half of discretionary spend, and is key to delivering the government's aim of world-class public services. Procurement plays a central role in delivering all government priorities - from health and education to policing and security. However, the positive influence of government procurement can go far beyond simply securing the goods and services it requires - it can also transform the market to the benefit of others.
1.5 The purpose of procurement policy is to support the Government's goal of delivering world-class public services that are value for money, and in a sustainable way. Effective procurement also has the capacity to drive the efficiency of suppliers and their supply chains, demonstrating the added importance of conducting procurement to the highest professional standards.