Managers who ask for money are usually asked the same questions: why now, what else was considered, what does it cost over five years and who owns the benefits. This template answers them in the five-case order public bodies and boards expect, from a one-page summary to the management case, so the decision-maker can defend the recommendation to their own board.

The sample follows Flintmere Digital as it asks for £360,000 to replace six delivery tools with one platform. It shows a do-nothing baseline, a minimum option and a recommended option, a budget with contingency, net present value at 3.5% and a plus or minus 20% test on benefits. Replace the status quo cost, the options, the yearly costs and the benefit owners with your own.