Organisations
Contracting Authority
Quick answer
A contracting authority is a public body that must follow the Procurement Act 2023 when buying goods, works, or services above thresholds (and increasingly below from 2026).
Last updated: 18 May 2026
Examples
Ministries, councils, NHS trusts, universities in scope, and central purchasing bodies.
Supplier segmentation
Build target account lists by authority type, spend, and framework usage.
Common questions
What is Contracting Authority?
A contracting authority is a public body covered by the Procurement Act 2023 when procuring goods, works, or services, including central government, local authorities, NHS bodies, and listed educational entities.
Is this still current after February 2025?
Yes under the Procurement Act 2023.