Assurance uses a set of criteria to make a snapshot assessment of risk and confidence. Previously, the spend control outcome was dependent on a positive assurance outcome. After the changes, organisations will still make internal approvals dependent on assurance outcomes, but this will not be mandated from GDS. Organisation assurers will carry out the majority of assurance and GDS will support organisations with assuring risky and complex initiatives. Digital and Technology Spend Controls Up to 31 March 2026: All spend that exceeds the spend control thresholds is subject to spend controls and central approval. From 1 April 2026: Digital and technology spend controls are removed. In their place, HM Treasury mandates that all organisations maintain and share a pipeline of upcoming spend. Central approvals Up to 31 March 2026: Central approvals are dependent on assurance outcomes. From 1 April 2026: Central approval will no longer be needed except for spend that exceeds the DAL, or that HMT determines as being NCR. Organisational approvals Up to 31 March 2026: Organisational approval is dependent on central approval. From 1 April 2026: For all other spend, organisations own and manage their own approvals journey. Assurance Up to 31 March 2026: Organisation assurers and GDS carry out assurance on all spend that exceeds the thresholds. From 1 April 2026: Organisation assurers carry out assurance. GDS supports organisation assurance for complex and risky initiatives.

Digital Assurance Playbook www.gov.uk/government/p... (UK)

This has been coming down the pipe for a while but still, a tough day for GDS true believers

#govtech #spendcontrols #publicspending