This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7469878.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Watchdog calls for robust costing | Watchdog calls for robust costing |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Major public construction projects such as roads and railways need to be costed more robustly before being given the go-ahead, a report has warned. | Major public construction projects such as roads and railways need to be costed more robustly before being given the go-ahead, a report has warned. |
Spending watchdog Audit Scotland said good decisions could only be made if there was accurate information about costs, value for money and timescales. | Spending watchdog Audit Scotland said good decisions could only be made if there was accurate information about costs, value for money and timescales. |
The report looked at 43 major projects completed between 2002 and 2007. | The report looked at 43 major projects completed between 2002 and 2007. |
It found only about 40% were completed within the costs estimated at the time they were approved. | It found only about 40% were completed within the costs estimated at the time they were approved. |
Spending on such projects will rise to £10.5bn over the next three years. | Spending on such projects will rise to £10.5bn over the next three years. |
Concern was also raised in the Audit Scotland report about several current projects - including the M74 completion and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line - where the costs were underestimated. | Concern was also raised in the Audit Scotland report about several current projects - including the M74 completion and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line - where the costs were underestimated. |
The report said those making decisions needed clearer and more accurate information about major infrastructure projects. | The report said those making decisions needed clearer and more accurate information about major infrastructure projects. |
Decision 'vindicated' | Decision 'vindicated' |
Scotland's auditor general Robert Black said projects mostly came in close to the costs and deadlines set when contracts were awarded. | Scotland's auditor general Robert Black said projects mostly came in close to the costs and deadlines set when contracts were awarded. |
But he warned: "There needs to be improvement in the information that is available at the earlier stage when important choices are being made about which projects should be committed." | But he warned: "There needs to be improvement in the information that is available at the earlier stage when important choices are being made about which projects should be committed." |
The report said most projects were successfully delivered but it highlighted the fact the cost of the M74 extension, estimated at £245m when it was approved, had risen to £692m. | The report said most projects were successfully delivered but it highlighted the fact the cost of the M74 extension, estimated at £245m when it was approved, had risen to £692m. |
It was a similar case with the Stirling to Alloa railway line, which went up from £35m to £85m, and phase three of Edinburgh Prison, which saw a rise of £18m to £25m. | It was a similar case with the Stirling to Alloa railway line, which went up from £35m to £85m, and phase three of Edinburgh Prison, which saw a rise of £18m to £25m. |
The Scottish Prison Service said the increase - which followed a change to the specification - had been funded from the savings made on other projects. | |
The Scottish Government said the findings had vindicated the decision to press ahead with its Scottish Futures Trust, which ministers said was better value to the taxpayer than PFI/PPP schemes. | The Scottish Government said the findings had vindicated the decision to press ahead with its Scottish Futures Trust, which ministers said was better value to the taxpayer than PFI/PPP schemes. |
Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The Audit Scotland report highlights the importance of efficient and effective planning of our capital investment programme of some £35bn over the next 10 years. | Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The Audit Scotland report highlights the importance of efficient and effective planning of our capital investment programme of some £35bn over the next 10 years. |
"The government believes that this is essential, which is why we are establishing the Scottish Futures Trust." | "The government believes that this is essential, which is why we are establishing the Scottish Futures Trust." |
Previous version
1
Next version