Measures to rewire the state
The UK government announced measures to redirect public spending toward local jobs and skills, including stricter procurement rules for utility companies and new oversight for civil shipbuilding procurement.
The government has introduced new guidance requiring utility companies such as electricity, gas, and water providers to use procurement to support local jobs and skills in manufacturing. Companies failing to comply may face legislation when parliamentary time allows. This follows earlier measures to ensure central government spending benefits communities directly.
A new National Shipbuilding Office will oversee all future civil ship procurement, creating a clearer pipeline for UK shipbuilding demand. The Ministry of Defence will detail this in the upcoming Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan, expected later this year. The government also plans to work with European allies to simplify ship procurement processes.
A new research vessel for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science will be built exclusively in UK shipyards under a contract using the national security exemption in the Procurement Act 2023. The vessel will replace the RV Cefas Endeavour and support monitoring of fish stocks, pollution, and seabed mapping using advanced technology and clean fuels.
A new unit within the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet will coordinate government insourcing efforts to reduce reliance on external consultancy and professional services. The unit will support departments in bringing critical services back in-house, such as building management services, with a process beginning in 2028 when current contracts end.