diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/layout/AppLayout.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/layout/AppLayout.tsx
index d2dc1a2..f0f7121 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/layout/AppLayout.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/layout/AppLayout.tsx
@@ -186,7 +186,6 @@ export const AppLayout: React.FC = () => {
   useQuery({
     queryKey: ['users-directory'],
     queryFn: () => getUsers(1, 200),
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   // Query tenant endpoint to resolve tenant name if not provided in claims or profile
@@ -194,7 +193,6 @@ export const AppLayout: React.FC = () => {
     queryKey: ['active-tenant-header', tenantId],
     queryFn: () => getTenant(tenantId!),
     enabled: !!tenantId && !claims?.tenant && !user?.tenant && !authTenantName,
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   // Ensure current logged-in user is registered in the email cache
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/ContractsManagement.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/ContractsManagement.tsx
index cc0b558..b460cea 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/ContractsManagement.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/ContractsManagement.tsx
@@ -1247,7 +1247,7 @@ export const ContractsManagement: React.FC<ContractsManagementProps> = ({
             {Number(contractToUpdate?.status) === ContractStatus.Active ? (
               <div className="w-full bg-[#151b2c] border border-emerald-500/30 rounded-xl px-3 py-2 text-xs text-emerald-300 font-semibold flex items-center gap-1.5 cursor-default">
                 <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                <span>Active / Executed (Immutable - Cannot Be Changed)</span>
+                <span>Active / Executed</span>
               </div>
             ) : (
               (() => {
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/EvidenceReviewQueue.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/EvidenceReviewQueue.tsx
index 5643bd9..b5dfcd5 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/EvidenceReviewQueue.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/monitoring/EvidenceReviewQueue.tsx
@@ -807,7 +807,7 @@ export const EvidenceReviewQueue: React.FC<EvidenceReviewQueueProps> = ({
                           title="Approved evidence is immutable. Status cannot be modified."
                         >
                           <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                          <span>Approved (Immutable)</span>
+                          <span>Approved</span>
                         </span>
                       ) : (
                         <>
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/notifications/UserSearchPicker.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/notifications/UserSearchPicker.tsx
index 8048e40..77e98fa 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/notifications/UserSearchPicker.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/components/notifications/UserSearchPicker.tsx
@@ -58,7 +58,6 @@ export const UserSearchPicker: React.FC<UserSearchPickerProps> = ({
   const { data: users = [], isLoading } = useQuery<User[]>({
     queryKey: ['users-directory'],
     queryFn: () => getUsers(1, 200),
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   // Filter active users and exclude the current logged-in user so they can never message themselves
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts
index 150099e..79c457a 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts
@@ -124,7 +124,6 @@ export function useInAppNotifications() {
     },
     // Live polling every 30 seconds
     refetchInterval: 30000,
-    staleTime: 10000,
   });
 
   // InApp notifications (strictly platform === InApp 5) for Bell & Counters
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts
index c769474..ff34250 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts
@@ -4,15 +4,38 @@ import { bumpMutationEpoch } from '../services/httpClient';
 export const queryClient = new QueryClient({
   defaultOptions: {
     queries: {
-      staleTime: 1000 * 60 * 2, // 2 minutes fresh in memory
-      gcTime: 1000 * 60 * 10,   // 10 minutes cache retention
-      refetchOnWindowFocus: false,
-      refetchOnReconnect: true,
+      // Remove caching from all pages: zero stale time and zero cache retention
+      // Whenever a component needs data, it must call its corresponding endpoint(s)
+      staleTime: 0,
+      gcTime: 0,
+      refetchOnMount: 'always',
+      refetchOnWindowFocus: 'always',
+      refetchOnReconnect: 'always',
       retry: 1,
     },
   },
 });
 
+// Retain caching ONLY for sync status, auth token, roles and grants
+const RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS = {
+  staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
+  gcTime: 10 * 60 * 1000,
+  refetchOnMount: false,
+  refetchOnWindowFocus: false,
+};
+
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['roles'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['system-roles'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['role-claims'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-roles'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-claims'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['grants'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-grants'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-sync'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['sync-status'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['auth'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['auth-token'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+
 /**
  * Invalidates queries while simultaneously bumping the mutation epoch.
  * This guarantees that the background refetch generates a fresh query parameter (_v)
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/ChangeManagementPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/ChangeManagementPage.tsx
index 88389a2..74af4df 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/ChangeManagementPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/ChangeManagementPage.tsx
@@ -1020,7 +1020,7 @@ export const ChangeManagementPage: React.FC = () => {
                             {Number(cr.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
                               <span className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-emerald-400 bg-emerald-500/10 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-lg border border-emerald-500/20 cursor-default" title="Approved and enacted change requests are immutable.">
                                 <Lock className="w-3 h-3 text-emerald-400" />
-                                <span>Resolved &amp; Enacted (Immutable)</span>
+                                <span>Resolved &amp; Enacted</span>
                               </span>
                             ) : (
                               <>
@@ -1528,7 +1528,7 @@ export const ChangeManagementPage: React.FC = () => {
                   title="Approved and enacted change requests are immutable."
                 >
                   <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                  <span>Approved &amp; Enacted (Immutable - Cannot Be Changed)</span>
+                  <span>Approved &amp; Enacted</span>
                 </div>
               ) : (
                 <select
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GovernancePage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GovernancePage.tsx
index dc29557..5af6179 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GovernancePage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GovernancePage.tsx
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ import { ExportButton } from '../components/ui/ExportButton';
 import { ExportColumn } from '../utils/exportUtils';
 import { useAuth } from '../auth/AuthProvider';
 import { useRbac } from '../auth/rbac';
+import { bumpMutationEpoch } from '../services/httpClient';
 import { useTableSort, SortableTh } from '../utils/tableSort';
 import { FundingInstrumentsSection, InstructionsSection } from '../components/governance/InstructionsSection';
 import { RulesSection } from '../components/governance/RulesSection';
@@ -241,7 +242,6 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
   const { data: usersDirectory = [] } = useQuery({
     queryKey: ['users-directory'],
     queryFn: () => getUsers(1, 200),
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   const { data: systemRoles = [] } = useQuery<Role[]>({
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
     defaultValues: {
       name: '',
       portfolioId: portfolios[0]?.id ? Number(portfolios[0].id) : 201,
-      status: ApprovalStatus.Approved,
+      status: ApprovalStatus.Pending,
       ownerEmail: effectiveUserEmail,
     },
   });
@@ -608,6 +608,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
       });
     },
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['organisations'] });
       success(editingOrg ? 'Organisation updated' : 'Organisation registered successfully');
       setIsOrgModalOpen(false);
@@ -639,6 +640,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
       });
     },
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['portfolios'] });
       success(editingPortfolio ? 'Portfolio updated successfully' : 'Portfolio created successfully');
       setIsPortfolioModalOpen(false);
@@ -650,15 +652,43 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
     },
   });
 
+  const approveProgrammeMutation = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: async (pr: Programme) => {
+      if (isMaker(pr.createdBy)) {
+        throw new Error('Maker-Checker policy: Record creator cannot approve their own programme.');
+      }
+      return updateProgramme({
+        programmeId: pr.id,
+        name: pr.name || '',
+        portfolioId: Number(pr.portfolioId),
+        status: ApprovalStatus.Approved,
+        ownerId: pr.ownedBy,
+      });
+    },
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
+      queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['programmes'] });
+      queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['programme'] });
+      success('Programme Approved', 'Programme governance status successfully updated to Approved.');
+    },
+    onError: (err: unknown) => {
+      toastError('Programme Approval Failed', err);
+    },
+  });
+
   const programmeMutation = useMutation({
     mutationFn: (data: ProgrammeFormValues) => {
       const resolvedOwnerId = resolveOwnerId(data.ownerEmail, editingProgramme?.ownedBy);
       if (editingProgramme) {
+        const targetStatus = (data.status !== undefined ? Number(data.status) : 1) as ApprovalStatus;
+        if (targetStatus === ApprovalStatus.Approved && isMaker(editingProgramme.createdBy)) {
+          throw new Error('Maker-Checker policy violation: Record creators cannot approve their own programmes.');
+        }
         return updateProgramme({
           programmeId: editingProgramme.id,
           name: data.name,
           portfolioId: Number(data.portfolioId),
-          status: (data.status !== undefined ? Number(data.status) : 1) as ApprovalStatus,
+          status: targetStatus,
           ownerId: resolvedOwnerId,
         });
       }
@@ -669,7 +699,9 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
       });
     },
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['programmes'] });
+      queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['programme'] });
       success(editingProgramme ? 'Programme updated successfully' : 'Programme created successfully');
       setIsProgrammeModalOpen(false);
       setEditingProgramme(null);
@@ -755,7 +787,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
     programmeForm.reset({
       name: '',
       portfolioId: portfolios[0]?.id ? Number(portfolios[0].id) : 201,
-      status: ApprovalStatus.Approved,
+      status: ApprovalStatus.Pending,
       ownerEmail: effectiveUserEmail,
     });
     setIsProgrammeModalOpen(true);
@@ -833,6 +865,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
     status: (p) => getApprovalStatusBadge(p.status).label,
     createdAt: (p) => p.createdAt,
     ownedBy: (p) => getUserEmail(p.ownedBy),
+    createdBy: (p) => getUserEmail(p.createdBy),
   });
 
   // Export Columns Definitions
@@ -863,6 +896,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
       format: (id) => programmes.filter((pr) => String(pr.portfolioId) === String(id)).length,
     },
     { header: 'Owner Email', key: 'ownedBy', format: (val) => getUserEmail(val) },
+    { header: 'Created By (Maker)', key: 'createdBy', format: (val) => getUserEmail(val) },
     { header: 'Creation Date', key: 'createdAt', format: (val) => formatDate(val) },
     { header: 'Description', key: 'description', format: (val) => val || '—' },
   ];
@@ -881,6 +915,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
     { header: 'Governance Status', key: 'status', format: (val) => getApprovalStatusBadge(val).label },
     { header: 'Creation Date', key: 'createdAt', format: (val) => formatDate(val) },
     { header: 'Owner Email', key: 'ownedBy', format: (val) => getUserEmail(val) },
+    { header: 'Created By (Maker)', key: 'createdBy', format: (val) => getUserEmail(val) },
   ];
 
   return (
@@ -1382,19 +1417,22 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                   <SortableTh column="ownedBy" currentColumn={progSortCol} direction={progSortDir} onSort={handleProgSort} className="py-3.5 px-4">
                     Owner Email
                   </SortableTh>
+                  <SortableTh column="createdBy" currentColumn={progSortCol} direction={progSortDir} onSort={handleProgSort} className="py-3.5 px-4">
+                    Created By
+                  </SortableTh>
                   <th className="py-3.5 px-5 text-right font-medium">Actions</th>
                 </tr>
               </thead>
               <tbody className="divide-y divide-slate-800/60">
                 {loadingProgrammes ? (
                   <tr>
-                    <td colSpan={6} className="py-8 text-center text-slate-500">
+                    <td colSpan={7} className="py-8 text-center text-slate-500">
                       Loading programmes...
                     </td>
                   </tr>
                 ) : sortedProgrammes.length === 0 ? (
                   <tr>
-                    <td colSpan={6} className="py-8 text-center text-slate-500">
+                    <td colSpan={7} className="py-8 text-center text-slate-500">
                       No programmes found matching query.
                     </td>
                   </tr>
@@ -1402,6 +1440,7 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                   sortedProgrammes.map((pr) => {
                     const port = portfolios.find((p) => String(p.id) === String(pr.portfolioId));
                     const statusBadge = getApprovalStatusBadge(pr.status);
+                    const isApproved = Number(pr.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved;
                     return (
                       <tr key={pr.id} className="hover:bg-slate-800/40 transition-colors">
                         <td className="py-3.5 px-5">
@@ -1420,8 +1459,49 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                         <td className="py-3.5 px-4 font-mono text-slate-300 font-medium text-[11px]">
                           {getUserEmail(pr.ownedBy)}
                         </td>
+                        <td className="py-3.5 px-4 font-mono text-slate-400 text-[11px]">
+                          {getUserEmail(pr.createdBy)}
+                        </td>
                         <td className="py-3.5 px-5 text-right">
-                          <div className="flex items-center justify-end gap-1.5">
+                          <div className="flex items-center justify-end gap-1.5 flex-wrap sm:flex-nowrap">
+                            {isApproved ? (
+                              <span
+                                className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-emerald-400 bg-emerald-500/10 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-lg border border-emerald-500/20 cursor-default"
+                                title="Approved programmes cannot be modified."
+                              >
+                                <Lock className="w-3 h-3 text-emerald-400" />
+                                <span>Approved</span>
+                              </span>
+                            ) : (
+                              <>
+                                <button
+                                  type="button"
+                                  onClick={() => openEditProgramme(pr)}
+                                  className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-slate-200 hover:text-white bg-slate-900/80 hover:bg-slate-800 border border-slate-700/80 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-lg transition shadow-xs cursor-pointer"
+                                  title="Edit Programme"
+                                >
+                                  <Edit2 className="w-3 h-3" />
+                                  Edit
+                                </button>
+                                {canApproveRecord('governance', pr.createdBy) && (
+                                  <button
+                                    type="button"
+                                    disabled={approveProgrammeMutation.isPending}
+                                    onClick={() => approveProgrammeMutation.mutate(pr)}
+                                    className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-emerald-300 hover:text-white bg-emerald-500/10 hover:bg-emerald-500/20 border border-emerald-500/30 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-lg transition shadow-xs cursor-pointer"
+                                    title="Approve Programme"
+                                  >
+                                    <CheckCircle className="w-3 h-3" />
+                                    <span>Approve</span>
+                                  </button>
+                                )}
+                                {canApprove('governance') && isMaker(pr.createdBy) && (
+                                  <span className="text-[10px] text-amber-400 font-mono italic px-1.5 py-0.5 bg-amber-500/10 border border-amber-500/20 rounded">
+                                    Maker-Checker: Record creator cannot approve
+                                  </span>
+                                )}
+                              </>
+                            )}
                             <button
                               type="button"
                               onClick={() => {
@@ -1458,14 +1538,6 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                               <Scale className="w-3 h-3" />
                               Rules
                             </button>
-                            <button
-                              type="button"
-                              onClick={() => openEditProgramme(pr)}
-                              className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-slate-200 hover:text-white bg-slate-900/80 hover:bg-slate-800 border border-slate-700/80 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-lg transition shadow-xs cursor-pointer"
-                            >
-                              <Edit2 className="w-3 h-3" />
-                              Edit
-                            </button>
                           </div>
                         </td>
                       </tr>
@@ -2004,18 +2076,18 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                   placement="top"
                 />
               </div>
-              {selectedProgrammeForDetail && Number(selectedProgrammeForDetail.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
+              {editingProgramme && Number(editingProgramme.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
                 <div
                   className="w-full px-3 py-2 text-xs border border-emerald-500/30 bg-emerald-500/10 rounded-xl text-emerald-300 font-semibold flex items-center gap-1.5 cursor-default"
-                  title="Approved programmes are immutable."
+                  title="Approved programmes cannot be modified."
                 >
                   <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                  <span>Approved (Immutable - Cannot Be Changed)</span>
+                  <span>Approved</span>
                 </div>
               ) : (
                 (() => {
-                  const canApproveProgramme = canApproveRecord('governance', selectedProgrammeForDetail?.createdBy);
-                  const isSelf = isMaker(selectedProgrammeForDetail?.createdBy);
+                  const canApproveProgramme = canApproveRecord('governance', editingProgramme?.createdBy);
+                  const isSelf = isMaker(editingProgramme?.createdBy);
 
                   return (
                     <select
@@ -2717,13 +2789,38 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                     <span className="text-slate-400 font-semibold block text-[11px] uppercase tracking-wider mb-1">Programme Title</span>
                     <span className="text-white font-semibold text-sm block">{programmeFreshDetail?.name || selectedProgrammeForDetail?.name}</span>
                   </div>
-                  <span className={`inline-flex items-center px-2.5 py-0.5 rounded-full text-[10px] font-semibold border whitespace-nowrap ${getApprovalStatusBadge(programmeFreshDetail?.status ?? selectedProgrammeForDetail?.status ?? ApprovalStatus.Approved).className}`}>
-                    {getApprovalStatusBadge(programmeFreshDetail?.status ?? selectedProgrammeForDetail?.status ?? ApprovalStatus.Approved).label}
-                  </span>
+                  <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                    <span className={`inline-flex items-center px-2.5 py-0.5 rounded-full text-[10px] font-semibold border whitespace-nowrap ${getApprovalStatusBadge(programmeFreshDetail?.status ?? selectedProgrammeForDetail?.status ?? ApprovalStatus.Approved).className}`}>
+                      {getApprovalStatusBadge(programmeFreshDetail?.status ?? selectedProgrammeForDetail?.status ?? ApprovalStatus.Approved).label}
+                    </span>
+                    {selectedProgrammeForDetail && Number(programmeFreshDetail?.status ?? selectedProgrammeForDetail.status) !== ApprovalStatus.Approved && (
+                      canApproveRecord('governance', selectedProgrammeForDetail.createdBy) ? (
+                        <button
+                          type="button"
+                          disabled={approveProgrammeMutation.isPending}
+                          onClick={async () => {
+                            await approveProgrammeMutation.mutateAsync(selectedProgrammeForDetail);
+                            setIsProgrammeDetailModalOpen(false);
+                            setSelectedProgrammeForDetail(null);
+                          }}
+                          className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-emerald-300 hover:text-white bg-emerald-500/10 hover:bg-emerald-500/20 border border-emerald-500/30 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-lg transition shadow-xs cursor-pointer"
+                        >
+                          <CheckCircle className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                          <span>Approve Programme</span>
+                        </button>
+                      ) : (
+                        isMaker(selectedProgrammeForDetail.createdBy) && canApprove('governance') && (
+                          <span className="text-[10px] text-amber-400 font-mono italic px-1.5 py-0.5 bg-amber-500/10 border border-amber-500/20 rounded">
+                            Maker-Checker: Record creator cannot approve
+                          </span>
+                        )
+                      )
+                    )}
+                  </div>
                 </div>
 
-                {/* Core Details Grid: Owner & Creation Date */}
-                <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-3 text-xs">
+                {/* Core Details Grid: Owner, Maker, Creation Date */}
+                <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-3 gap-3 text-xs">
                   {/* Creation Date */}
                   <div className="p-3 bg-[#080d1a] rounded-lg border border-slate-800 flex items-center gap-2.5">
                     <Calendar className="w-4 h-4 text-slate-400 shrink-0" />
@@ -2745,6 +2842,17 @@ export const GovernancePage: React.FC = () => {
                       </span>
                     </div>
                   </div>
+
+                  {/* Maker */}
+                  <div className="p-3 bg-[#080d1a] rounded-lg border border-slate-800 flex items-center gap-2.5">
+                    <ShieldCheck className="w-4 h-4 text-slate-400 shrink-0" />
+                    <div className="min-w-0 flex-1">
+                      <span className="text-slate-500 font-medium block text-[10px] uppercase tracking-wider">Created By (Maker)</span>
+                      <span className="font-mono text-slate-200 text-xs truncate block" title={getUserEmail(programmeFreshDetail?.createdBy || selectedProgrammeForDetail?.createdBy)}>
+                        {getUserEmail(programmeFreshDetail?.createdBy || selectedProgrammeForDetail?.createdBy)}
+                      </span>
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
                 </div>
 
                 {/* Metrics: Total Rules and Total Instructions */}
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GrantsPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GrantsPage.tsx
index 9f5e5dd..cdeb34f 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GrantsPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/GrantsPage.tsx
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ import { ExportButton } from '../components/ui/ExportButton';
 import { ExportColumn } from '../utils/exportUtils';
 import { useTableSort, SortableTh } from '../utils/tableSort';
 import { useRbac } from '../auth/rbac';
+import { bumpMutationEpoch } from '../services/httpClient';
 import {
   Award,
   Budget,
@@ -233,6 +234,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
   const updateAwardMutation = useMutation({
     mutationFn: (data: UpdateAwardRequest) => updateAward(data),
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['awards'] });
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['dashboard'] });
       success('Award Updated', 'Award details saved successfully.');
@@ -248,6 +250,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
   const budgetMutation = useMutation({
     mutationFn: (data: CreateBudgetRequest) => createBudget(data),
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['budgets'] });
       success('Budget line established', 'Budget line created against project');
       setIsBudgetModalOpen(false);
@@ -261,6 +264,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
   const updateBudgetMutation = useMutation({
     mutationFn: (data: UpdateBudgetRequest) => updateBudget(data),
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['budgets'] });
       success('Budget Updated', 'Budget compliance and approval status updated.');
       setIsEditBudgetModalOpen(false);
@@ -287,6 +291,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
       });
     },
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['disbursements'] });
       success(
         editingDisbursement ? 'Disbursement Updated' : 'Disbursement Scheduled',
@@ -497,6 +502,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
   const approveMutation = useMutation({
     mutationFn: (id: string | number) => approveDisbursement(id),
     onSuccess: () => {
+      bumpMutationEpoch();
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['disbursements'] });
       queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['dashboard'] });
       success(
@@ -826,8 +832,10 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
             <div className="flex items-center gap-2 self-end sm:self-center">
               <button
                 type="button"
-                onClick={() => {
-                  refetchAwards();
+                onClick={async () => {
+                  bumpMutationEpoch();
+                  await queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['awards'] });
+                  await refetchAwards();
                   success('Refreshed', 'Awards intake list refreshed from API.');
                 }}
                 disabled={isFetchingAwards}
@@ -919,10 +927,10 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
                             {Number(awd.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
                               <span
                                 className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-emerald-400 bg-emerald-500/10 px-2.5 py-1.5 rounded-lg border border-emerald-500/20 cursor-default"
-                                title="Approved award is immutable. Details cannot be modified."
+                                title="Approved award details cannot be modified."
                               >
                                 <Lock className="w-3 h-3 text-emerald-400" />
-                                <span>Approved (Immutable)</span>
+                                <span>Approved</span>
                               </span>
                             ) : (
                               <button
@@ -973,8 +981,10 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
             <div className="flex items-center gap-2 self-end sm:self-center">
               <button
                 type="button"
-                onClick={() => {
-                  refetchBudgets();
+                onClick={async () => {
+                  bumpMutationEpoch();
+                  await queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['budgets'] });
+                  await refetchBudgets();
                   success('Refreshed', 'Budget line categories refreshed from API.');
                 }}
                 disabled={isFetchingBudgets}
@@ -1059,10 +1069,10 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
                               {Number(b.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
                                 <span
                                   className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs font-semibold text-emerald-400 bg-emerald-500/10 px-2.5 py-1.5 rounded-lg border border-emerald-500/20 cursor-default"
-                                  title="Approved budget is immutable. Status cannot be modified."
+                                  title="Approved budget status cannot be modified."
                                 >
                                   <Lock className="w-3 h-3 text-emerald-400" />
-                                  <span>Approved (Immutable)</span>
+                                  <span>Approved</span>
                                 </span>
                               ) : (
                                 <>
@@ -1133,8 +1143,10 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
             <div className="flex items-center gap-2 self-end sm:self-center">
               <button
                 type="button"
-                onClick={() => {
-                  refetchDisbursements();
+                onClick={async () => {
+                  bumpMutationEpoch();
+                  await queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['disbursements'] });
+                  await refetchDisbursements();
                   success('Refreshed', 'Disbursement tranches refreshed from API.');
                 }}
                 disabled={isFetchingDisbursements}
@@ -1549,7 +1561,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
           onSubmit={editAwardForm.handleSubmit((values) => {
             if (!editingAward) return;
             if (Number(editingAward.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved) {
-              toastError('Record Immutable', 'Approved awards cannot be modified.');
+              toastError('Record Approved', 'Approved awards cannot be modified.');
               return;
             }
             updateAwardMutation.mutate({
@@ -1630,7 +1642,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
             {Number(editingAward?.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
               <div className="w-full px-3 py-2 text-xs border border-emerald-500/30 bg-emerald-500/10 rounded-xl text-emerald-300 font-semibold flex items-center gap-1.5 cursor-default">
                 <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                <span>Approved (Immutable - Cannot Be Changed)</span>
+                <span>Approved</span>
               </div>
             ) : (
               <select
@@ -1783,7 +1795,7 @@ export const GrantsPage: React.FC = () => {
             {Number(editingBudget?.status) === ApprovalStatus.Approved ? (
               <div className="w-full px-3 py-2 text-xs border border-emerald-500/30 bg-emerald-500/10 rounded-xl text-emerald-300 font-semibold flex items-center gap-1.5 cursor-default">
                 <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                <span>Approved (Immutable - Status Cannot Be Changed)</span>
+                <span>Approved</span>
               </div>
             ) : (
               <select
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/InboxPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/InboxPage.tsx
index 03aac2e..08974d0 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/InboxPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/InboxPage.tsx
@@ -42,7 +42,6 @@ export const InboxPage: React.FC = () => {
   const { data: directoryUsers = [] } = useQuery<User[]>({
     queryKey: ['users-directory'],
     queryFn: () => getUsers(1, 200),
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   const {
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SettingsPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SettingsPage.tsx
index 0429df2..01c6b98 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SettingsPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SettingsPage.tsx
@@ -152,7 +152,6 @@ export const SettingsPage: React.FC = () => {
   const { data: usersDirectory = [] } = useQuery({
     queryKey: ['users-directory'],
     queryFn: () => getUsers(1, 200),
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   const {
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SiteVisitsPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SiteVisitsPage.tsx
index e9c96d3..c4708ff 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SiteVisitsPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/SiteVisitsPage.tsx
@@ -528,7 +528,7 @@ export const SiteVisitsPage: React.FC = () => {
                   title="Approved site visits are immutable."
                 >
                   <Lock className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-emerald-400" />
-                  <span>Approved &amp; Verified (Immutable - Cannot Be Changed)</span>
+                  <span>Approved &amp; Verified</span>
                 </div>
               ) : (
                 <select
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/TenantManagementPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/TenantManagementPage.tsx
index a5ea98f..2b1bbee 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/TenantManagementPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/pages/TenantManagementPage.tsx
@@ -68,14 +68,12 @@ const TenantOrganisationsSubList: React.FC<{ tenantId: number | string; tenantNa
   } = useQuery<TenantOrganisation[]>({
     queryKey: ['tenant-organisations', tenantId],
     queryFn: () => getTenantOrganisations(tenantId),
-    staleTime: 30000,
   });
 
   // Fetch tenant users directory to resolve linked user email per organisation
   const { data: tenantUsers = [] } = useQuery<TenantUser[]>({
     queryKey: ['tenant-users', tenantId],
     queryFn: () => getTenantUsers(tenantId),
-    staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
   });
 
   React.useEffect(() => {
@@ -261,7 +259,6 @@ const TenantUsersSubList: React.FC<{
   const { data: tenantUsers = [], isLoading, refetch } = useQuery<TenantUser[]>({
     queryKey: ['tenant-users', tenantId],
     queryFn: () => getTenantUsers(tenantId),
-    staleTime: 30000,
   });
 
   const { canAdd } = useRbac();
@@ -460,7 +457,6 @@ export const TenantManagementPage: React.FC = () => {
   } = useQuery<Tenant[]>({
     queryKey: ['tenants-list'],
     queryFn: () => getTenants(),
-    staleTime: 30000,
   });
 
   // Forms
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/api.ts b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/api.ts
index b4ee34a..e27adbf 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/api.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/api.ts
@@ -442,84 +442,21 @@ export const getProgrammeValue = async (programmeId: string | number): Promise<n
   }
 };
 
-const LOCAL_INSTRUCTIONS_KEY = 'pfm_local_instructions';
+export const purgeStoredInstructionDuplicates = (_apiItems?: Instrument[]): void => {};
 
-export const purgeStoredInstructionDuplicates = (apiItems: Instrument[]): void => {
-  if (typeof window === 'undefined' || !Array.isArray(apiItems) || apiItems.length === 0) return;
-  try {
-    const raw = localStorage.getItem(LOCAL_INSTRUCTIONS_KEY);
-    if (!raw) return;
-    const local: Instrument[] = JSON.parse(raw);
-    if (!Array.isArray(local) || local.length === 0) return;
+export const getStoredInstructions = (): Instrument[] => [];
 
-    const apiIds = new Set(apiItems.map((i) => String(i.id)));
-    const apiKeys = new Set(apiItems.map((i) => `${i.programmeId}::${(i.name || '').toLowerCase().trim()}`));
-
-    const remaining = local.filter(
-      (l) => !apiIds.has(String(l.id)) && !apiKeys.has(`${l.programmeId}::${(l.name || '').toLowerCase().trim()}`)
-    );
-
-    if (remaining.length !== local.length) {
-      localStorage.setItem(LOCAL_INSTRUCTIONS_KEY, JSON.stringify(remaining));
-    }
-  } catch (e) {
-    console.warn('Failed to purge stored instruction duplicates', e);
-  }
-};
-
-export const getStoredInstructions = (): Instrument[] => {
-  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return [];
-  try {
-    const raw = localStorage.getItem(LOCAL_INSTRUCTIONS_KEY);
-    return raw ? JSON.parse(raw) : [];
-  } catch {
-    return [];
-  }
-};
-
-export const saveStoredInstruction = (inst: Instrument): void => {
-  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
-  try {
-    const current = getStoredInstructions();
-    const idx = current.findIndex(
-      (i) => String(i.id) === String(inst.id) ||
-        (String(i.programmeId) === String(inst.programmeId) && (i.name || '').trim().toLowerCase() === (inst.name || '').trim().toLowerCase())
-    );
-    if (idx >= 0) {
-      current[idx] = { ...current[idx], ...inst, updatedAt: new Date().toISOString() };
-    } else {
-      current.unshift(inst);
-    }
-    localStorage.setItem(LOCAL_INSTRUCTIONS_KEY, JSON.stringify(current));
-  } catch (e) {
-    console.warn('Failed to save stored instruction', e);
-  }
-};
+export const saveStoredInstruction = (_inst?: Instrument): void => {};
 
 export const getInstruments = async (programmeId: string | number): Promise<Instrument[]> => {
-  let apiItems: Instrument[] = [];
-  let apiSucceeded = false;
   try {
     const hashedProgId = await toolsService.resolveProgrammeId(programmeId);
     const res = await apiClient.get<Instrument[]>(`/v1/api/governance/instruments/${hashedProgId}`);
-    if (Array.isArray(res.data)) {
-      apiItems = res.data;
-      apiSucceeded = true;
-    }
+    return Array.isArray(res.data) ? res.data : [];
   } catch (err) {
     console.warn(`[getInstruments] Could not fetch instruments from API for prog ${programmeId}:`, err);
+    return [];
   }
-
-  if (apiSucceeded) {
-    purgeStoredInstructionDuplicates(apiItems);
-    return apiItems;
-  }
-
-  // Fallback to local items only when API failed
-  const localItems = getStoredInstructions().filter(
-    (item) => String(item.programmeId) === String(programmeId)
-  );
-  return localItems;
 };
 
 export const getInstructions = getInstruments;
@@ -535,27 +472,17 @@ export const getAllInstruments = async (programmesList?: Programme[]): Promise<I
   }
 
   const map = new Map<string, Instrument>();
-  let hasApiData = false;
-
   if (progList && progList.length > 0) {
     const results = await Promise.allSettled(
       progList.map((pr) => getInstruments(pr.id))
     );
     results.forEach((res) => {
-      if (res.status === 'fulfilled' && Array.isArray(res.value) && res.value.length > 0) {
-        hasApiData = true;
+      if (res.status === 'fulfilled' && Array.isArray(res.value)) {
         res.value.forEach((inst) => map.set(String(inst.id), inst));
       }
     });
   }
-
-  if (hasApiData || map.size > 0) {
-    const allApiInstruments = Array.from(map.values());
-    purgeStoredInstructionDuplicates(allApiInstruments);
-    return allApiInstruments;
-  }
-
-  return getStoredInstructions();
+  return Array.from(map.values());
 };
 
 export const getAllInstructions = getAllInstruments;
@@ -569,40 +496,8 @@ export const createInstrument = async (payload: CreateInstrumentRequest): Promis
     description: payload.description,
   };
 
-  try {
-    const res = await apiClient.post<Instrument>('/v1/api/governance/instruments', body);
-    if (res.data && res.data.id) {
-      purgeStoredInstructionDuplicates([res.data]);
-      return res.data;
-    }
-  } catch (err: any) {
-    console.warn('[createInstrument] API create failed, falling back to local storage:', err);
-    const newId = Date.now();
-    const fallbackInstruction: Instrument = {
-      id: newId,
-      programmeId: toIntegerId(payload.programmeId),
-      code: code,
-      name: payload.name,
-      description: payload.description,
-      status: payload.status !== undefined ? Number(payload.status) : ActivityStatus.Active,
-      createdBy: payload.userId || 'system',
-      createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-    };
-    saveStoredInstruction(fallbackInstruction);
-    return fallbackInstruction;
-  }
-
-  // If API returned 200 without full body, return formatted item without saving duplicate to localStorage
-  return {
-    id: Date.now(),
-    programmeId: toIntegerId(payload.programmeId),
-    code: code,
-    name: payload.name,
-    description: payload.description,
-    status: payload.status !== undefined ? Number(payload.status) : ActivityStatus.Active,
-    createdBy: payload.userId || 'system',
-    createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-  };
+  const res = await apiClient.post<Instrument>('/v1/api/governance/instruments', body);
+  return res.data;
 };
 
 export const createInstruction = createInstrument;
@@ -619,32 +514,7 @@ export const updateInstrument = async (payload: UpdateInstrumentRequest): Promis
     status: Number(payload.status),
   };
 
-  try {
-    const res = await apiClient.put<Instrument>('/v1/api/governance/instruments', body);
-    if (res.data && res.data.id) {
-      return res.data;
-    }
-  } catch (err) {
-    console.warn('[updateInstrument] API update failed:', err);
-  }
-
-  const existing = getStoredInstructions().find((i) => String(i.id) === String(targetId));
-  const updatedInstrument: Instrument = {
-    id: targetId!,
-    programmeId: payload.programmeId ? toIntegerId(payload.programmeId) : (existing?.programmeId || 0),
-    code: payload.code || existing?.code || null,
-    name: payload.name,
-    description: payload.description,
-    status: Number(payload.status),
-    createdBy: existing?.createdBy || 'system',
-    createdAt: existing?.createdAt || new Date().toISOString(),
-    updatedBy: payload.userId || 'system',
-    updatedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-  };
-
-  if (existing) {
-    saveStoredInstruction(updatedInstrument);
-  }
+  const res = await apiClient.put<Instrument>('/v1/api/governance/instruments', body);
   if (isApprovedOrActiveStatus(payload.status)) {
     notifyTenantManagersAndExecutivesOnRecordStatusChange({
       recordType: 'Funding Instrument',
@@ -653,7 +523,7 @@ export const updateInstrument = async (payload: UpdateInstrumentRequest): Promis
       title: payload.name,
     }).catch(console.warn);
   }
-  return updatedInstrument;
+  return res.data;
 };
 
 export const updateInstruction = updateInstrument;
@@ -2246,75 +2116,20 @@ export const updateSiteVisit = async (payload: UpdateSiteVisitRequest): Promise<
   }
 };
 
-const LOCAL_RULES_KEY = 'pfm_local_rules';
+export const purgeStoredRuleDuplicates = (_apiRules?: Rule[]): void => {};
 
-export const purgeStoredRuleDuplicates = (apiRules: Rule[]): void => {
-  if (typeof window === 'undefined' || !Array.isArray(apiRules) || apiRules.length === 0) return;
-  try {
-    const raw = localStorage.getItem(LOCAL_RULES_KEY);
-    if (!raw) return;
-    const local: Rule[] = JSON.parse(raw);
-    if (!Array.isArray(local) || local.length === 0) return;
+export const getStoredRules = (): Rule[] => [];
 
-    const apiIds = new Set(apiRules.map((r) => String(r.id)));
-    const apiKeys = new Set(apiRules.map((r) => `${r.programmeId}::${(r.name || '').toLowerCase().trim()}`));
-
-    const remaining = local.filter(
-      (l) => !apiIds.has(String(l.id)) && !apiKeys.has(`${l.programmeId}::${(l.name || '').toLowerCase().trim()}`)
-    );
-
-    if (remaining.length !== local.length) {
-      localStorage.setItem(LOCAL_RULES_KEY, JSON.stringify(remaining));
-    }
-  } catch (e) {
-    console.warn('Failed to purge stored rule duplicates', e);
-  }
-};
-
-export const getStoredRules = (): Rule[] => {
-  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return [];
-  try {
-    const raw = localStorage.getItem(LOCAL_RULES_KEY);
-    return raw ? JSON.parse(raw) : [];
-  } catch {
-    return [];
-  }
-};
-
-export const saveStoredRule = (rule: Rule): void => {
-  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
-  try {
-    const current = getStoredRules();
-    const idx = current.findIndex(
-      (r) => String(r.id) === String(rule.id) ||
-        (String(r.programmeId) === String(rule.programmeId) && (r.name || '').trim().toLowerCase() === (rule.name || '').trim().toLowerCase())
-    );
-    if (idx >= 0) {
-      current[idx] = { ...current[idx], ...rule, updatedAt: new Date().toISOString() };
-    } else {
-      current.unshift(rule);
-    }
-    localStorage.setItem(LOCAL_RULES_KEY, JSON.stringify(current));
-  } catch (e) {
-    console.warn('Failed to save stored rule', e);
-  }
-};
+export const saveStoredRule = (_rule?: Rule): void => {};
 
 // ==========================================
 // 15. Execution: Programme Rules APIs
 // ==========================================
 export const getRule = async (ruleId: string | number): Promise<Rule> => {
-  try {
-    const hashedRuleId = await toolsService.encodeId(ruleId);
-    const res = await apiClient.get<Rule>(`/v1/api/execution/rules/${hashedRuleId}`);
-    if (res.data) {
-      purgeStoredRuleDuplicates([res.data]);
-      return res.data;
-    }
-  } catch {
-    const localRule = getStoredRules().find((r) => String(r.id) === String(ruleId));
-    if (localRule) return localRule;
-    throw new Error('Rule not found');
+  const hashedRuleId = await toolsService.encodeId(ruleId);
+  const res = await apiClient.get<Rule>(`/v1/api/execution/rules/${hashedRuleId}`);
+  if (res.data) {
+    return res.data;
   }
   throw new Error('Rule not found');
 };
@@ -2332,38 +2147,16 @@ export const getRules = async (
   pagination: Pagination = { page: 1, pageSize: 100 },
   programmeId?: string | number
 ): Promise<Rule[]> => {
-  let apiRules: Rule[] = [];
-  let apiSucceeded = false;
-  try {
-    const res = await apiClient.post<Rule[]>('/v1/api/execution/programmes/rules', {
-      index: pagination.index ? toIntegerId(pagination.index) : 0,
-      page: pagination.page || 1,
-      pageSize: pagination.pageSize || 100,
-    });
-    if (Array.isArray(res.data)) {
-      apiRules = res.data;
-      apiSucceeded = true;
-    }
-  } catch (err) {
-    console.warn('[getRules] Error fetching from backend API:', err);
-  }
-
-  if (apiSucceeded) {
-    purgeStoredRuleDuplicates(apiRules);
-    let result = apiRules;
-    if (programmeId != null && programmeId !== '' && programmeId !== 'all') {
-      result = result.filter((r) => String(r.programmeId) === String(programmeId));
-    }
-    return result;
-  }
-
-  // Fallback to local storage only if API call failed
-  const localRules = getStoredRules();
-  let combined = localRules;
+  const res = await apiClient.post<Rule[]>('/v1/api/execution/programmes/rules', {
+    index: pagination.index ? toIntegerId(pagination.index) : 0,
+    page: pagination.page || 1,
+    pageSize: pagination.pageSize || 100,
+  });
+  let result = Array.isArray(res.data) ? res.data : [];
   if (programmeId != null && programmeId !== '' && programmeId !== 'all') {
-    combined = combined.filter((r) => String(r.programmeId) === String(programmeId));
+    result = result.filter((r) => String(r.programmeId) === String(programmeId));
   }
-  return combined;
+  return result;
 };
 
 export const createRule = async (payload: CreateRuleRequest): Promise<Rule> => {
@@ -2375,70 +2168,21 @@ export const createRule = async (payload: CreateRuleRequest): Promise<Rule> => {
     description: payload.description,
   };
 
-  try {
-    const res = await apiClient.post<Rule>('/v1/api/execution/rules', body);
-    if (res.data && res.data.id) {
-      purgeStoredRuleDuplicates([res.data]);
-      return res.data;
-    }
-  } catch (err) {
-    console.warn('[createRule] API create failed, falling back to local storage:', err);
-    const newId = Date.now();
-    const fallbackRule: Rule = {
-      id: newId,
-      programmeId: toIntegerId(payload.programmeId),
-      name: payload.name,
-      description: payload.description,
-      status: ActivityStatus.Active,
-      version: 1,
-      createdBy: validUserId,
-      createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-    };
-    saveStoredRule(fallbackRule);
-    return fallbackRule;
-  }
-
-  return {
-    id: Date.now(),
-    programmeId: toIntegerId(payload.programmeId),
-    name: payload.name,
-    description: payload.description,
-    status: ActivityStatus.Active,
-    version: 1,
-    createdBy: validUserId,
-    createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-  };
+  const res = await apiClient.post<Rule>('/v1/api/execution/rules', body);
+  return res.data;
 };
 
 export const updateRule = async (payload: UpdateRuleRequest): Promise<void> => {
   const validUserId = toValidUuid(payload.userId);
-  try {
-    await apiClient.put('/v1/api/execution/rules', {
-      ruleId: toIntegerId(payload.ruleId),
-      userId: validUserId,
-      name: payload.name,
-      description: payload.description,
-      status: Number(payload.status),
-      version: Number(payload.version || 1),
-      ...(payload.programmeId ? { programmeId: toIntegerId(payload.programmeId) } : {}),
-    });
-  } catch (err) {
-    console.warn('[updateRule] API update failed:', err);
-    const existing = getStoredRules().find((r) => String(r.id) === String(payload.ruleId));
-    const updatedRule: Rule = {
-      id: payload.ruleId,
-      programmeId: payload.programmeId ? toIntegerId(payload.programmeId) : (existing?.programmeId || 0),
-      name: payload.name,
-      description: payload.description,
-      status: Number(payload.status),
-      version: Number(payload.version || 1),
-      createdBy: existing?.createdBy || validUserId,
-      createdAt: existing?.createdAt || new Date().toISOString(),
-      updatedBy: validUserId,
-      updatedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-    };
-    saveStoredRule(updatedRule);
-  }
+  await apiClient.put('/v1/api/execution/rules', {
+    ruleId: toIntegerId(payload.ruleId),
+    userId: validUserId,
+    name: payload.name,
+    description: payload.description,
+    status: Number(payload.status),
+    version: Number(payload.version || 1),
+    ...(payload.programmeId ? { programmeId: toIntegerId(payload.programmeId) } : {}),
+  });
 };
 
 // ==========================================
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/httpClient.ts b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/httpClient.ts
index 4d42323..123d7d2 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/httpClient.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/httpClient.ts
@@ -60,6 +60,8 @@ export const apiClient = axios.create({
   headers: {
     'Content-Type': 'application/json; version=1',
     Accept: 'application/json; version=1',
+    'Cache-Control': 'no-cache, no-store, must-revalidate',
+    Pragma: 'no-cache',
   },
   timeout: 15000,
 });
@@ -81,34 +83,16 @@ apiClient.interceptors.request.use(
       config.url?.includes('amazonaws.com') ||
       config.url?.includes('garage');
 
-    // Attach mutation epoch or explicit timestamp to GET requests for OutputCache management
+    // Always attach freshness timestamp and mutation epoch to internal GET requests
+    // to guarantee zero stale data, bypass browser HTTP caches, and prevent stale OutputCache hits
     if (config.method?.toUpperCase() === 'GET' && !isExternal) {
-      const headers = config.headers || {};
-      const hasNoCacheHeader =
-        headers['Cache-Control'] === 'no-cache' ||
-        headers['cache-control'] === 'no-cache' ||
-        headers['Pragma'] === 'no-cache';
-
-      if (hasNoCacheHeader) {
-        // Explicit freshness requested: attach fresh timestamp
-        if (config.params instanceof URLSearchParams) {
-          config.params.set('_t', String(Date.now()));
-        } else {
-          config.params = config.params || {};
-          config.params._t = Date.now();
-        }
+      if (config.params instanceof URLSearchParams) {
+        config.params.set('_t', String(Date.now()));
+        config.params.set('_v', String(getMutationEpoch()));
       } else {
-        // Standard GET: attach current mutation epoch
-        if (config.params instanceof URLSearchParams) {
-          if (!config.params.has('_v') && !config.params.has('_t')) {
-            config.params.set('_v', String(getMutationEpoch()));
-          }
-        } else {
-          config.params = config.params || {};
-          if (!config.params._v && !config.params._t) {
-            config.params._v = getMutationEpoch();
-          }
-        }
+        config.params = config.params || {};
+        config.params._t = Date.now();
+        config.params._v = getMutationEpoch();
       }
     }
 
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/tenantLockoutService.ts b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/tenantLockoutService.ts
index 32ac6a8..cf02c1d 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/tenantLockoutService.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.ConsoleUI/src/services/tenantLockoutService.ts
@@ -10,15 +10,8 @@ export interface TenantLockoutResult {
   statusCode?: number;
 }
 
-let cachedTenantLockout: {
-  key: string;
-  result: TenantLockoutResult;
-  timestamp: number;
-} | null = null;
-const LOCKOUT_CACHE_TTL_MS = 60 * 1000;
-
 export function clearTenantLockoutCache(): void {
-  cachedTenantLockout = null;
+  // Caching removed to guarantee fresh tenant state on every verification
 }
 
 export function isStatusActive(status: any): boolean {
@@ -88,15 +81,7 @@ export async function verifyTenantLockout(
     candidateId = tenantClaim;
   }
 
-  const cacheKey = String(candidateId ?? tenantClaim ?? 'default-1').trim().toLowerCase();
-  if (!forceRefresh && cachedTenantLockout && cachedTenantLockout.key === cacheKey) {
-    if (
-      cachedTenantLockout.result.isActive &&
-      Date.now() - cachedTenantLockout.timestamp < LOCKOUT_CACHE_TTL_MS
-    ) {
-      return cachedTenantLockout.result;
-    }
-  }
+  // Fresh check: query endpoint directly without cache
 
   let tenantRes: Tenant | null = null;
   let lastError: any = null;
@@ -209,10 +194,6 @@ export async function verifyTenantLockout(
     isActive: true,
     tenant: tenantObj,
   };
-  cachedTenantLockout = {
-    key: cacheKey,
-    result: successResult,
-    timestamp: Date.now(),
-  };
+  // Direct return without caching
   return successResult;
 }
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/components/dashboard/DashboardPage.tsx b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/components/dashboard/DashboardPage.tsx
index 940bb02..0b0b31f 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/components/dashboard/DashboardPage.tsx
+++ b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/components/dashboard/DashboardPage.tsx
@@ -293,7 +293,6 @@ export function DashboardPage() {
     queryKey: ['partner-applicant-data', applicantUserId],
     queryFn: () => getApplicantData(applicantUserId),
     enabled: Boolean(applicantUserId),
-    staleTime: 30_000,
   });
 
   // Extract all unique projects, contracts, awards, and organisations from ApplicantData[]
@@ -426,7 +425,6 @@ export function DashboardPage() {
       return Object.fromEntries(results);
     },
     enabled: partnerSummary.projectEntries.length > 0,
-    staleTime: 30_000,
   });
 
   // Combine into EnrichedPartnerProject[]
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts
index 3dcf3f9..5ff9332 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/hooks/useInAppNotifications.ts
@@ -113,7 +113,6 @@ export function useInAppNotifications() {
       return list || [];
     },
     refetchInterval: 30000,
-    staleTime: 10000,
   });
 
   const inAppNotifications = useMemo(() => {
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts
index 4d88632..5b9c623 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/lib/queryClient.ts
@@ -4,15 +4,38 @@ import { bumpMutationEpoch } from '../services/httpClient';
 export const queryClient = new QueryClient({
   defaultOptions: {
     queries: {
-      staleTime: 1000 * 60 * 2, // 2 minutes fresh in memory
-      gcTime: 1000 * 60 * 10,   // 10 minutes cache retention
-      refetchOnWindowFocus: false,
-      refetchOnReconnect: true,
+      // Remove caching from all pages: zero stale time and zero cache retention
+      // Whenever a component needs data, it must call its corresponding endpoint(s)
+      staleTime: 0,
+      gcTime: 0,
+      refetchOnMount: 'always',
+      refetchOnWindowFocus: 'always',
+      refetchOnReconnect: 'always',
       retry: 1,
     },
   },
 });
 
+// Retain caching ONLY for sync status, auth token, roles and grants
+const RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS = {
+  staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000,
+  gcTime: 10 * 60 * 1000,
+  refetchOnMount: false,
+  refetchOnWindowFocus: false,
+};
+
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['roles'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['system-roles'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['role-claims'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-roles'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-claims'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['grants'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-grants'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['user-sync'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['sync-status'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['auth'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+queryClient.setQueryDefaults(['auth-token'], RETAINED_CACHE_OPTIONS);
+
 /**
  * Invalidates queries while simultaneously bumping the mutation epoch.
  */
diff --git a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/services/httpClient.ts b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/services/httpClient.ts
index cee65ad..e559cf9 100644
--- a/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/services/httpClient.ts
+++ b/PostFundManagement.PartnerUI/src/services/httpClient.ts
@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ export const apiClient = axios.create({
   headers: {
     'Content-Type': 'application/json; version=1',
     Accept: 'application/json; version=1',
+    'Cache-Control': 'no-cache, no-store, must-revalidate',
+    Pragma: 'no-cache',
   },
   timeout: 15000,
 });
@@ -58,31 +60,16 @@ apiClient.interceptors.request.use(
       config.url?.includes('amazonaws.com') ||
       config.url?.includes('garage');
 
+    // Always attach freshness timestamp and mutation epoch to internal GET requests
+    // to guarantee zero stale data, bypass browser HTTP caches, and prevent stale OutputCache hits
     if (config.method?.toUpperCase() === 'GET' && !isExternal) {
-      const headers = config.headers || {};
-      const hasNoCacheHeader =
-        headers['Cache-Control'] === 'no-cache' ||
-        headers['cache-control'] === 'no-cache' ||
-        headers['Pragma'] === 'no-cache';
-
-      if (hasNoCacheHeader) {
-        if (config.params instanceof URLSearchParams) {
-          config.params.set('_t', String(Date.now()));
-        } else {
-          config.params = config.params || {};
-          config.params._t = Date.now();
-        }
+      if (config.params instanceof URLSearchParams) {
+        config.params.set('_t', String(Date.now()));
+        config.params.set('_v', String(getMutationEpoch()));
       } else {
-        if (config.params instanceof URLSearchParams) {
-          if (!config.params.has('_v') && !config.params.has('_t')) {
-            config.params.set('_v', String(getMutationEpoch()));
-          }
-        } else {
-          config.params = config.params || {};
-          if (!config.params._v && !config.params._t) {
-            config.params._v = getMutationEpoch();
-          }
-        }
+        config.params = config.params || {};
+        config.params._t = Date.now();
+        config.params._v = getMutationEpoch();
       }
     }