Over a third of major infrastructure projects branded ‘undeliverable’ or ‘in doubt’, report finds. The projects, which could include the HS2 rail line and Hinkley Point nuclear power station, run the risk of missing targets because of ‘unrealistic expectations’, the National Audit Office has said. A National Audit Office report spoke of a history of “unrealistic expectations and over-optimism” as it revealed that 37 of the 106 projects due to be completed within the next five years have been branded “unachievable” or “in-doubt” by a government body set up to monitor them. It is not known which of the projects, which include universal credit, the HS2 rail line and a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point – have been given red or amber red warnings by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, putting their ability to meet targets for cost and timetables under threat.
Telegraph 6th Jan 2016 read more »
Daily Mail 6th Jan 2016 read more »
The warning is contained in a progress report from the National Audit Office into major government projects including infrastructure and construction jobs. The watchdog casts doubt on attempts to improve performance and said: “The public sector has had a poor track record in delivering projects successfully.”
Construction Enquirer 6th Jan 2016 read more »
Hinkley Point power station may be one of around a third of major Government projects at risk of failure to meet targets on budgets and timetables, Whitehall’s spending watchdog has warned. The National Audit Office (NAO) said it was “of particular concern” that the list of projects rated red or amber-red – meaning their successful delivery is either “unachievable” or “in doubt” – included 37 of the 106 due to be concluded within five years. The overall proportion rated red or amber-red by the Government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority increased from 16% in 2012 to 34% in June 2015, due to the addition of more risky schemes to a portfolio totalling 149 major projects with a combined whole-life cost of £511 billion, said the NAO.
Western Morning News 6th Jan 2015 read more »