Main Estimate

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The main annual request for parliamentary authorisation of departmental spending.

Category: Finance and spending

Also used as: main estimates

Source / explainer: View HM Treasury Main Estimates

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A Main Estimate is the main annual request for Parliament to authorise departmental spending. It sets out the resources and cash a department or body is seeking for the financial year. Main Estimates are important for understanding how Parliament approves public spending.

Related terms

Estimates DayA day in the Commons set aside for debates linked to government spending estimates.Supplementary EstimateAn in-year request to change the amount or purpose of spending already authorised by Parliament.Supply EstimateA document asking Parliament to authorise government spending for a department or service.
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