UK Public Procurement Thresholds

Public Sector Procurement in the UK is governed by several regulations, which set out detailed procedures for the award of high value contracts – those with values equal to or exceeding specific thresholds. Details of these thresholds, which come into effect on 1st January 2022, are given below and are inclusive of VAT.

Public Contracts

Contracts relating to public authorities including, amongst others, government departments, local authorities and NHS authorities and trusts.

Supply, services(1)and design contracts
Works contracts(2)
Social and other specific services(3)
Central Government(4)
£138,760
£5,336,937
£663,540
Other contracting authorities
£213,477
£5,336,937
£663,540
Small lots
£70,778
£884,720
n/a

(1)With the exception of the following services which have different thresholds or are exempt:
   – Social and other specific services (subject to the light touch regime) Article 74.
   – Subsidised services contracts specified under Article 13 (Article 14 in Scotland).
   – Research and development services under Article 14 (Article 15 in Scotland) (specified CPV codes are exempt).

(2)With the exception of subsidised works contracts specified under Article 13 (Article 14 in Scotland).

(3)As per Article 74, services are listed in Schedule 3.

(4)Schedule 1 of the Public Contracts Regulations lists the Central Government Bodies subject to the WTO GPA. These thresholds will also apply to any successor bodies.

Utilities Contracts

Contracts relating to certain utility companies operating in the energy, water, and transport sectors.

Supply, services and design contracts
Works contracts
Social and other specific services
Utility authorities
£426,955
£5,336,937
£884,720

Defence and Security Public Contracts

Contracts relating to entities operating in the fields of defence and security.

Supply, services and design contracts
Works contracts
Social and other specific services
Defence and Security authorities
£426,955
£5,336,937
n/a

Concession Contracts

Concessions are contracts for pecuniary interest by means of which one or more contracting authorities, or contracting entities, entrusts the execution of works, or the provision and the management of services, to one or more economic operators.

Concession Contracts
Authorities
£5,336,937

UK Public Sector Procurement Regulations

England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland