I called the UKVI for clarification as it wasn't clear in the new guidelines.
If your spouse already achieved B1 or higher for the spouse visa application there is no requirement to take the new A2 ielts exam when the time comes to apply for FLR-M.
So good news. My wife doesn't have to take another test and less money to save.
Happy days.
Thanks for the information always appreciated.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained"
"It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all" Lord Tenneson.