Drive 35
DBT · DBT_0295_2526-Q2
Department page: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
| Data as at | Rating | End date | Whole-life cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Green (the department's own assessment) | 30 April 2030 | £1,841.78m (in 2024/25 prices) |
Each year’s cost is shown with its price basis. Costs are not compared between years: the March 2024 and March 2025 reports state no price basis, and from March 2026 costs are in 2024/25 prices.
The department’s commentary
This is the department’s own commentary. It may use different prices from the table above, so its figures may not match.
March 2026
Rating: This is the first annual report for DRIVE35, the Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 is rated Green. This reflects a programme that is delivering substantial strategic value while accepting there are a number of delivery and operational challenges typical of a complex cross-government portfolio. Key factors influencing the assessment include: organisational changes and resourcing pressures affecting delivery capacity and continuity; the complexity of governance arrangements across policy, delivery, and external partners; and the need to maintain pace and clarity in decision-making to remain internationally competitive. The Department has taken steps to mitigate these risks through strengthening programme management capability, enhancing PMO support, and increasing focus on strategic risk management and governance maturity. There is active senior oversight through established boards and regular risk review processes. Overall, while challenges remain, the programme is considered deliverable with continued focus on strengthening delivery capability, improving process efficiency, and maintaining a clear strategic narrative for investors and stakeholders.
Schedule: This is the first annual report for DRIVE35, the Programme end date is currently 31/03/2030 with a planned 5 year extension to March 2035.
Cost: This is the first annual report for DRIVE35, the Programme Whole life costs are £2.04bn.
Names, figures, dates, ratings and commentary are as the department reported them. Where a rating, cost or date is withheld, the file’s wording is shown. Every major project →