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 came into effect on 1 January 2024, can be found below and are inclusive of VAT.

Links to further information about public sector procurement regulations can also be found at the bottom of the page.

Details of current EU thresholds can be found on: EU Public Procurement Thresholds.

Public Contracts

Contracts relating to public authorities, which include government departments, local authorities, and NHS authorities and trusts.

Supply, services and design contracts Works contracts Social and other specific services
Central Government £139,688 £5,372,609 £663,540
Other contracting authorities £214,904 £5,372,609 £663,540
Small lots £70,778 £884,720 N/A

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 £429,809 £5,372,609 N/A

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 £429,809 £5,372,609 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 £5,372,609

UK Public Sector Procurement Regulations

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Scotland