The SIS budget forms part of the Single Intelligence Account (SIA) which includes the budget for SIS and the other two intelligence and security agencies. The Accounting Officer for the SIA is the The Permanent Secretary, Intelligence, Security and Resilience, Sir Richard Mottram.
Like all public authorities, budgetary provision for SIS is decided by Ministers during the biennial Spending Reviews. Funds allocated to SIS therefore directly reflect the government's policy and priorities for intelligence.
SIS produces accounts in the same form as other government departments and is subject to the same rules of financial propriety and regularity. Its accounts are independently audited by the National Audit Office (NAO), and NAO staff have access to all the information they need for this purpose. The audited accounts are reviewed by the Intelligence and Security Committee in accordance with their remit to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the intelligence and security agencies. SIS also has an internal audit function which works to government standards laid down by HM Treasury.
SIS follows a rigorous efficiency programme to ensure value for money, which is subject to scrutiny by HM Treasury.