(This note is not part of the Order)

These Regulations implement, for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Directive 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 31st March 2004 on the co-ordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public services contracts (OJ L 134, 30.4.2004, p114).

These Regulations specify the procedures to be followed in relation to the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public services contracts by public bodies called contracting authorities.

The Regulations also provide remedies for breaches of these Regulations in order to implement Council Directive 89/665/EEC of 21 December 1989 (“the Remedies Directive”) which requires member States to provide effective remedies at national level for breaches of Regulations relating to procurement.

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Office of Government Commerce's website at www.ogc.gov.uk.