Guidance

Contingent Liability Approval Framework: Guidance Update 2026

Updated HM Treasury guidance on contingent liabilities, including approvals, parliamentary notification, value for money principles and checklist requirements.

• From: HM Treasury
• Published: 28 October 2026

Documents

Contingent Liability Approval Framework Guidance Update – October 2026

PDF, 404 KB, 41 pages

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Details

This publication updates HM Treasury’s Contingent Liability Approval Framework (CLAF) and provides guidance for government departments on the management of contingent liabilities.

It explains the types of contingent liabilities covered by the framework, when Treasury approval and parliamentary notification are required, and the process for obtaining consent. The guidance also sets out principles for achieving value for money, including affordability, risk management, charging, and exposure limits.

The publication includes an updated contingent liability checklist, detailed completion guidance, and template documents for parliamentary notification, including Written Ministerial Statements and Departmental Minutes. It also explains the role of the Financial Instruments and Transactions Advisory Group (FInTAG) in supporting departments with the design, assessment and management of contingent liabilities.