Annually Managed Expenditure - Project Open Gov

Public spending that is demand-led or harder to control within fixed departmental limits.

Abbreviation: AME

Also used as: AME, Annually Managed Expenditure

Source / explainer: Read HM Treasury budgeting guidance

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

Annually Managed Expenditure is public spending that is demand-led, volatile or otherwise harder to control within fixed departmental limits. It can include areas such as welfare payments, debt interest and some pension spending. It is often discussed alongside Departmental Expenditure Limits in public finance analysis.

Related terms

Departmental Expenditure LimitA Treasury spending control covering planned departmental spending.HM TreasuryThe UK Government department responsible for public finances, tax policy, spending and economic policy.Public ExpenditureMoney spent by government and public bodies.