6

Accountability for departmental cost information is jointly held but not systematically enforced.

Conclusion
Responsibility for holding departments to account for improving their cost information is joint between the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. The Cabinet Office sets the overall performance management framework expectations, including financial minimum standards.6 However, it does not systematically enforce compliance, relying instead on departments and internal auditors. HM Treasury’s role is to make sure departments and accounting officers have the guidance they require and, through the Government Finance Function, arrange and conduct end of year performance reviews.7
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 1 April 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.8 yr
Report published 12 Dec 2025