The Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) is a collection of the United Kingdom government's largest, most complex, expensive, or strategically significant projects and programmes. It includes infrastructure, defence, digital transformation, and major service-delivery initiatives. The portfolio exists to strengthen oversight, accountability, and transparency across the government's highest-risk and highest-value projects.[1]
In 2025, major project oversight responsibilities transitioned to the new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).[4] The portfolio continues to be administered jointly by HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, with annual publication of data and assurance reports through the IPA and now NISTA.[1]
Projects qualify for inclusion in the GMPP if they require HM Treasury approval, exceed departmental spending limits, involve primary legislation, or are considered novel, contentious, or high-risk.[5][6]
Scope and composition
As of the 2024–25 reporting cycle, the GMPP contained 213 live projects with a total whole-life cost estimated at £996 billion.[7] Projects are grouped under categories such as:
Infrastructure and construction
Government transformation and service delivery
Digital and ICT
Military capability
Each project appoints a named Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) whose details are published as part of the transparency framework.[8] Project performance is monitored using a Delivery Confidence Assessment (Red–Amber–Green rating).[9]
Transparency and evaluation
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority publishes data on the GMPP annually through its Major Projects Data releases.[1] These reports disclose project costs, delivery status, timescales, and performance indicators.
The Government Major Projects Evaluation Review assesses how departments evaluate outcomes and benefits from major projects.[10] According to the 2023–24 review, about two-thirds of projects have evaluation plans in place, while roughly one-third have high-quality evaluation frameworks.
Oversight is supplemented by reports from the National Audit Office (NAO) and inquiries by parliamentary committees such as the Public Accounts Committee. These bodies examine governance, value for money, and lessons learned from major programmes.[11]
Challenges and criticism
The portfolio has faced criticism over persistent cost overruns, schedule delays, and inconsistent project performance. A significant proportion of projects have been assessed as Amber or Red in Delivery Confidence Assessments.[12] Observers note that evaluation quality varies, and that cross-departmental coordination remains a challenge. The NAO has called for stronger governance and more consistent sharing of lessons learned.[13]
The GMPP is central to the UK government's efforts to strengthen project delivery and ensure accountability for public investment.[15] The transition to NISTA in 2025 represents a renewed focus on integrating infrastructure and service transformation.[16] Future priorities include enhanced evaluation, transparency, and cross-government collaboration to improve delivery confidence and value for money.[17]
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