Revoking and Correcting: The Met Offices Financial Framework Gets a Legal Tweak

In a move to rectify a procedural hiccup, the UK government has issued a new legislative order concerning the Met Office's financial operations. This comes after an error in a previous order was identified, which had led to its improper submission to both Houses of Parliament instead of just the House of Commons.

What Happened?

The Meteorological Office Trading Fund (Maximum Borrowing) Order 2025 effectively cancels the 2024 Order, which incorrectly mandated its presentation to both Houses—a mistake pointed out by the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments. The new order keeps the maximum borrowing limit for the Met Office at £400 million, a cap raised from £300 million in 2024 to help the office manage its financial commitments, particularly those tied to international satellite programs.

Why the Change?

The revocation and replacement of the 2024 Order are primarily procedural. The Met Office needed an elevated borrowing limit to manage its financial responsibilities related to its role within the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The organization requires significant upfront investment, subject to currency fluctuations, necessitating a robust financial mechanism. The loans taken by the Met Office help cover these costs and are later repaid from revenues generated from satellite data services.

Impact and Consultation

There's no change in policy or impact on businesses, charities, or the public sector, as the revision is purely to correct the legislative process. Government stakeholders were informed about the increase in the borrowing limit through the Interdepartmental Met Office Strategy Group.

Looking Ahead

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has acknowledged the oversight and taken steps to prevent a recurrence. While the legislative tweak doesn't alter the Met Office's financial ceiling, it ensures that the correct parliamentary procedures are followed, maintaining the integrity of the legislative process.

In summary, this legislative update is a straightforward correction ensuring that the Met Office can continue its critical work without procedural snags, securing the financial flexibility it needs to meet its international obligations and operational demands.