Procurement Thresholds
Current UK threshold values and what they mean for how contracts are advertised and awarded.
What Are Procurement Thresholds?
Procurement thresholds are monetary values that determine which rules apply to a public contract. Contracts above the threshold must follow the full Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and be advertised on Find a Tender. Contracts below the threshold follow lighter-touch rules and are typically published on Contracts Finder.
Key Fact
Thresholds are set under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and are reviewed every two years. The values below apply from 1 January 2024.
Current Threshold Values (2024-2025)
| Contract Type | Central Government | Sub-Central |
|---|---|---|
| Goods & Services | £139,688 | £215,068 |
| Works | £5,372,609 | £5,372,609 |
| Light-Touch Regime (Social & Other Services) | £663,540 | £663,540 |
| Concessions | £5,372,609 | £5,372,609 |
Values exclude VAT. "Sub-central" includes local authorities, NHS trusts, and other public bodies.
Above vs Below Threshold
- Above threshold — full PCR 2015 procedures apply, advertised on Find a Tender, mandatory standstill period, formal remedies available
- Below threshold — lighter-touch rules, advertised on Contracts Finder, more flexibility for buyers in procedure choice
- Low-value contracts — below £30,000 (£10,000 for central government) generally do not require publication, though many buyers advertise them voluntarily
The Review Cycle
GPA thresholds are recalculated every two years to account for exchange rate fluctuations between GBP and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). The Cabinet Office publishes updated values via a Procurement Policy Note ahead of each cycle.
Sources
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