Light Touch Regime Threshold

The financial threshold above which certain service contracts must follow simplified EU-derived procurement rules under the Light Touch Regime, currently £663,540 for most public bodies.

How it works

The Light Touch Regime Threshold determines when public bodies must apply simplified procurement procedures for specific service categories. Currently set at £663,540 (excluding VAT) for most contracting authorities, this threshold applies to social, health, educational and certain other services listed in Schedule 3 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

When contract values exceed this threshold, contracting authorities must publish a contract notice in Find a Tender (the UK's official procurement portal) and follow basic transparency requirements. However, the procedures are significantly more flexible than standard procurement rules - authorities have greater freedom in designing their procurement process and timescales.

Services covered

The regime covers services such as: - Health and social care services - Educational and training services - Hotel and restaurant services - Legal services - Other professional services - Research and development services

Key requirements

Above the threshold, authorities must: - Publish a contract notice - Ensure transparent, proportionate procedures - Publish a contract award notice - Respect fundamental treaty principles (non-discrimination, transparency, proportionality)

Why it matters

This threshold recognises that certain services require different procurement approaches due to their nature, complexity or local delivery requirements. The Light Touch Regime provides necessary flexibility whilst maintaining competition and transparency principles. It particularly benefits health and social care procurement, where service delivery models often require innovation and local adaptation that standard procurement procedures might constrain.