Recommendations & Conclusions
33 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Deferred
The Government has committed to the largest investment in infrastructure in decades, which it believes has the potential to support a fairer and more equitable national economy. However, there is also great potential to waste this money on “white elephant” projects if it is not invested wisely. Evidence the Committee …
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The Government has committed to the largest investment in infrastructure in decades, which it believes has the potential to support a fairer and more equitable national economy. However, there is also great potential to waste this money on “white elephant” projects if it is not invested wisely. Evidence the Committee gathered suggests that there is uncertainty as to what the Government means by levelling up, and how its large infrastructure spending commitments will contribute to levelling up. There is a clear risk that money will be spent on projects which might boost employment in the very short term, but will not lead to longer-term change in economic outcomes for the poorest parts of the country.
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterates its commitment to the "levelling up" agenda to spread opportunity across the UK and will provide further details on its long-term infrastructure ambitions and their role in this agenda at the upcoming Spending Review and in the National Infrastructure Strategy.
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2
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Deferred
The overall framework for this investment should be provided by the National Infrastructure Strategy, but this is significantly delayed and has yet to be published. The Government is keen to spend money quickly as part of the Coronavirus “bounce back” but it needs to publish the overall infrastructure strategy to …
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The overall framework for this investment should be provided by the National Infrastructure Strategy, but this is significantly delayed and has yet to be published. The Government is keen to spend money quickly as part of the Coronavirus “bounce back” but it needs to publish the overall infrastructure strategy to ensure that money is spent in a co-ordinated and effective way.
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Government response AI summary
The government indicates that further details about its long-term infrastructure ambitions and the National Infrastructure Strategy will be set out at the Spending Review and in the NIS 'this autumn', deferring the publication requested by the committee.
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3
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Government should publish its infrastructure strategy as soon as possible, and certainly before it starts spending large amounts of money on infrastructure. The plan must clearly link the Government’s objectives for the economy and the planed infrastructure investment. It should either include an assessment of regional or local needs, …
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The Government should publish its infrastructure strategy as soon as possible, and certainly before it starts spending large amounts of money on infrastructure. The plan must clearly link the Government’s objectives for the economy and the planed infrastructure investment. It should either include an assessment of regional or local needs, or clear principles for Departments assessing need in areas in which they are investing.
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Government response AI summary
The government committed to publishing its National Infrastructure Strategy (NIS) later this year, stating it was delayed due to the pandemic, and confirmed the NIS would link objectives, include ambitions for decarbonisation and levelling up, and respond to NIC recommendations.
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4
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Government must be clear on what it means by “levelling up” if it is to plan projects which lead to “levelling up” and measure progress against them. The Committee expects that the infrastructure strategy will be clear on what levelling up means in practice, how infrastructure investment will contribute …
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The Government must be clear on what it means by “levelling up” if it is to plan projects which lead to “levelling up” and measure progress against them. The Committee expects that the infrastructure strategy will be clear on what levelling up means in practice, how infrastructure investment will contribute to levelling up, and what data we can use to measure the success of the levelling up initiative over time. This Committee will examine the infrastructure strategy when it is published and put further questions to ministers.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that the National Infrastructure Strategy (NIS), delayed until later this year, would set out further details on its long-term ambitions, including levelling up, thus committing to provide clarity on the term.
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5
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
Previous infrastructure strategies have not led to coherent and co-ordinated infrastructure spending. A scattergun approach to infrastructure investment might result in expensive infrastructure that does not benefit a local area either because it is not supported by complementary services (for example new houses without transport links); or it is not …
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Previous infrastructure strategies have not led to coherent and co-ordinated infrastructure spending. A scattergun approach to infrastructure investment might result in expensive infrastructure that does not benefit a local area either because it is not supported by complementary services (for example new houses without transport links); or it is not nationally co-ordinated and directed to areas of greatest need. The National Infrastructure Commission was created to overcome silos, and while the Committee welcomes the NIC’s commitment to overcoming political barriers through its impartial reporting, it is not clear it has the power to really break through politicised and decentralised decision making, which sits within Central Government. The Committee welcomes Lord Agnew’s commitment to early involvement in decision making.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observations, highlighting the existing institutional framework for infrastructure and the central role of the National Infrastructure Commission, stating it will build on this further upon publishing the National Infrastructure Strategy (NIS).
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6
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Cabinet Office needs to take a more active lead on co-ordinating infrastructure investment in line with a national strategy. It should be involved in the early stages of Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects 33 project development and lead on co-ordinating the national infrastructure effort. The Committee …
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The Cabinet Office needs to take a more active lead on co-ordinating infrastructure investment in line with a national strategy. It should be involved in the early stages of Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects 33 project development and lead on co-ordinating the national infrastructure effort. The Committee would like to see evidence of this work in the IPA’s annual reports and it will raise with the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office and Head of the IPA at regular scrutiny sessions.
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Government response AI summary
The government shares the Committee's view on early-stage involvement and coordination. They are undergoing a review, supporting the National Infrastructure Strategy, leading 'Project Speed,' and implementing the 'Get to Green' programme. The IPA will also include more information on early project development support in future …
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7
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
It is clear from the evidence submitted to this inquiry that Government infrastructure projects are progressed before due consideration is given to how they will address local needs. This practice increases the risk of infrastructure not addressing local needs, and therefore not supporting economic growth.
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It is clear from the evidence submitted to this inquiry that Government infrastructure projects are progressed before due consideration is given to how they will address local needs. This practice increases the risk of infrastructure not addressing local needs, and therefore not supporting economic growth.
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines a new consultation, 'Planning for the future,' launched to reform the planning system and ensure local communities are consulted from the beginning to address local needs. It also notes that NIC recommendations are being considered as part of the forthcoming National Infrastructure …
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8
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Deferred
Government should prioritise understanding local needs. Fully populated local needs assessments should be published when projects are announced to demonstrate the purpose of such projects. The IPA should require these assessments as part of the documentation for projects in the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) and it should also check …
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Government should prioritise understanding local needs. Fully populated local needs assessments should be published when projects are announced to demonstrate the purpose of such projects. The IPA should require these assessments as part of the documentation for projects in the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) and it should also check that departments are publishing the assessments as part of its role as the Government centre of expertise in project management. The Committee will scrutinise this in future evidence sessions.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that its Green Book methodology already identifies social value and is currently being reviewed to enhance assessment of local impacts. It doesn't commit to requiring or publishing local needs assessments, only noting that departments 'may' include them.
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9
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Government must also reconsider what infrastructure will be needed in coming years, reflecting on the experience of Coronavirus. For example, if more jobs will move to home working, whether this might create a greater need for faster broadband rather than new roads. This post-Covid view of infrastructure should be …
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The Government must also reconsider what infrastructure will be needed in coming years, reflecting on the experience of Coronavirus. For example, if more jobs will move to home working, whether this might create a greater need for faster broadband rather than new roads. This post-Covid view of infrastructure should be reported to this Committee for further scrutiny.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that the National Infrastructure Strategy (NIS) will outline long-term infrastructure ambitions based on the current economic context, and will be provided to the Committee upon publication.
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10
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Committee heard evidence that investment in major cities, including London, has more immediate economic benefit than investing in areas where there is currently slower economic growth.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation about immediate economic benefit in major cities but states it has already taken steps since 2019 to incorporate social value into procurements and train buyers to address this imbalance.
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11
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
If the Government wants to invest in areas of slower economic growth, including the North, regions and rural areas, it needs to be clear on the objectives of that investment, and set a framework for departments to appraise that investment so that it can pass the TAP hurdles. That might …
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If the Government wants to invest in areas of slower economic growth, including the North, regions and rural areas, it needs to be clear on the objectives of that investment, and set a framework for departments to appraise that investment so that it can pass the TAP hurdles. That might mean accepting lower overall returns for wider benefits, including local regeneration and levelling up.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that a revised Green Book will be published at the Spending Review, which will include a greater focus on policy objectives and regional impacts for investment appraisals.
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12
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
HM Treasury should update the Green Book as promised, in particular to reflect these wider Government objectives. There is a pressing need to publish this update so that new infrastructure investment can be appraised in line with its guidelines. The Committee would like it to be published no later than …
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HM Treasury should update the Green Book as promised, in particular to reflect these wider Government objectives. There is a pressing need to publish this update so that new infrastructure investment can be appraised in line with its guidelines. The Committee would like it to be published no later than September so that post-Covid spending can be appraised using the updated guidelines.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming that a revised Green Book will be published at the Spending Review, incorporating findings from a review focused on appraisal strategy, policy objectives, and regional impacts of interventions.
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13
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
It is clear from the evidence received that locally-led infrastructure investment can- in some instances—respond better to local needs and contexts. But there are concerns about local capability and short-term funding mechanisms.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the value of locally-led infrastructure investment and recognized concerns about local capability and capacity. It stated a commitment to ensuring and building project delivery capability across regions to effectively utilise and deliver future funding.
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14
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Deferred
If the Government is serious about its levelling up agenda, it should consider how it takes into account local needs when determining infrastructure projects. The Committee would like the Cabinet Office to respond to this report outlining whether it intends to deploy the new infrastructure funding through a mix of …
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If the Government is serious about its levelling up agenda, it should consider how it takes into account local needs when determining infrastructure projects. The Committee would like the Cabinet Office to respond to this report outlining whether it intends to deploy the new infrastructure funding through a mix of centralised and devolved approaches and, if so, how. If the Government wants infrastructure to be delivered by local structures through devolved funds, it needs to be clear about who is accountable for the outcomes of that spending. (Paragraph 66) 34 Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects Delivering the projects which grow the economy and ‘level up’
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the important role of local areas and existing devolved funding but defers full details of infrastructure funding and devolution plans to future publications like the NIS and a Devolution and Local Recovery White Paper.
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15
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
A project’s benefits are the very reason it is proposed and delivered, and the Committee does not believe that a project can be deemed successful if it does not demonstrate realisation of its stated benefits. The Government has sought to justify spending millions of pounds on infrastructure during economically-uncertain times …
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A project’s benefits are the very reason it is proposed and delivered, and the Committee does not believe that a project can be deemed successful if it does not demonstrate realisation of its stated benefits. The Government has sought to justify spending millions of pounds on infrastructure during economically-uncertain times by stating it will boost economic outcomes across the country. The Committee therefore expects the Government to be able to demonstrate growth as a result of this spend in future years.
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Government response AI summary
The government explains that its existing Green Book methodology and IPA gateway reviews already focus on benefit realisation, with departments responsible for publishing data. The IPA is currently exploring how to publish benefits in future Annual Reports, acknowledging the need for demonstration.
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16
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
Far too often, project managers and ministers prioritise time and cost at the expense of benefits. The Committee has heard of projects delivering benefits that are reduced to the point of no longer exceeding the costs, or more frequently, the benefits being unclear entirely upon delivery.
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Far too often, project managers and ministers prioritise time and cost at the expense of benefits. The Committee has heard of projects delivering benefits that are reduced to the point of no longer exceeding the costs, or more frequently, the benefits being unclear entirely upon delivery.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges that further work is needed to ensure project benefits are not overlooked. They state that the IPA has embarked on the 'Get to Green programme' to establish a system-wide framework and toolkit that will drive best practices in project delivery across government, …
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17
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
Benefits must be prioritised and reported. The IPA should report against benefits plans consistently in its annual reports from 2021–22. Consistent reporting of benefits should include a standardised financial measure, reported as trend data (showing the benefit agreed at the outset, alongside any agreed changes at specific dates, up to …
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Benefits must be prioritised and reported. The IPA should report against benefits plans consistently in its annual reports from 2021–22. Consistent reporting of benefits should include a standardised financial measure, reported as trend data (showing the benefit agreed at the outset, alongside any agreed changes at specific dates, up to current forecasts) alongside a narrative of transformational benefits promised.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that benefits should be reported and encourages departments to publish their data. However, the IPA is only 'taking steps to explore' how benefits can be published in future Annual Reports, without committing to the specific timeline, standardised financial measures, or trend data …
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18
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Committee welcomes Nick Smallwood’s statement that major projects should remain in the GMPP until Gate 5. The Committee would like the IPA to consider periodic reporting on past projects, perhaps at five-year intervals, to assess whether they have achieved their benefits. The IPA should write to the Committee in …
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The Committee welcomes Nick Smallwood’s statement that major projects should remain in the GMPP until Gate 5. The Committee would like the IPA to consider periodic reporting on past projects, perhaps at five-year intervals, to assess whether they have achieved their benefits. The IPA should write to the Committee in the Autumn to explain how best to do this and when the first review will take place.
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Government response AI summary
The government responded by stating that existing Gateway 5 reviews are repeatable and can be undertaken regularly or annually to check project delivery and outcomes, implying the current process already allows for periodic reporting on past projects.
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19
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
Where benefits will not be apparent immediately on delivery and may only materialise later, there should be a mechanism to hold previous ministers and SROs to account after the project has ended. The Chair of the Committee has written to the Chair of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) asking that when …
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Where benefits will not be apparent immediately on delivery and may only materialise later, there should be a mechanism to hold previous ministers and SROs to account after the project has ended. The Chair of the Committee has written to the Chair of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) asking that when it receives NAO reports on projects, it calls the ministers and senior civil servants who were in place during set up, where that is appropriate, to give evidence.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it supports giving evidence to the Public Accounts Committee when requested, implying it will cooperate with existing accountability mechanisms but not explicitly committing to creating a new mechanism for holding *previous* ministers and SROs to account.
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20
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
Projects are hindered by over-optimistic estimates of cost and time schedules, and overstatement of early benefits. Ministers are too keen to commit to specific cost and timescales early in the process, and project managers become tied to these estimates. The early estimates can then shape the rest of the project …
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Projects are hindered by over-optimistic estimates of cost and time schedules, and overstatement of early benefits. Ministers are too keen to commit to specific cost and timescales early in the process, and project managers become tied to these estimates. The early estimates can then shape the rest of the project delivery, sometimes leading to reductions in outputs or benefits as project-managers struggle to keep project timescales and costs in check.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the issues of over-optimistic estimates and is working to improve project outcomes through Project Principles, a centralized data platform, and Ministerial training to ensure more consistent cost and timescale estimations across departments.
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21
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
Project data should be reported in ranges, which reflect quantified risks to costs and timescales. The IPA should start reporting ranges for any newly-approved projects immediately, and HM Treasury should state an expectation that projects going through Treasury Approval Processes (TAP) present ranges as a default.. (Paragraph 92) Delivering the …
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Project data should be reported in ranges, which reflect quantified risks to costs and timescales. The IPA should start reporting ranges for any newly-approved projects immediately, and HM Treasury should state an expectation that projects going through Treasury Approval Processes (TAP) present ranges as a default.. (Paragraph 92) Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects 35
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating its aim for projects to use cost and schedule ranges. It confirmed that departments are already reporting data in ranges and the IPA is working to refine guidance and strengthen its assurance regime for this new reporting method.
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22
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
Projects which are particularly risky or high profile should invest more time up front, and consider approaches such as shadow cost modelling. The IPA should report on the methods used on the GMPP which can be viewed as best practice for other Government projects.
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Projects which are particularly risky or high profile should invest more time up front, and consider approaches such as shadow cost modelling. The IPA should report on the methods used on the GMPP which can be viewed as best practice for other Government projects.
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights its existing 'Get to Green' programme and published Project Principles aimed at improving project delivery. It states that the IPA benchmarking hub will support departments in identifying best practice, addressing the committee's call for reporting on methods.
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23
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
Not enough is done to involve local people in decision making at an early stage. The Committee heard that decisions are made about a project before consultation happens, and that late consultation can be insufficient to overcome local opposition. This can result in delays to projects, but it can also …
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Not enough is done to involve local people in decision making at an early stage. The Committee heard that decisions are made about a project before consultation happens, and that late consultation can be insufficient to overcome local opposition. This can result in delays to projects, but it can also lead to infrastructure which does not have full public support or serve local needs.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that early and transparent community engagement is a legal requirement and that the "Planning for the Future" initiative is changing citizen engagement with the planning system, detailing existing pre-application consultation processes for major infrastructure projects.
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24
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Deferred
All projects should include proper public consultation as part of the early decision making phase. Projects should consider setting up an independent arm to lead on public engagement that is proportionate to the scale and profile of the project. Projects should be able to demonstrate their engagement as part of …
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All projects should include proper public consultation as part of the early decision making phase. Projects should consider setting up an independent arm to lead on public engagement that is proportionate to the scale and profile of the project. Projects should be able to demonstrate their engagement as part of early IPA approval gates, and as part of the Treasury Approval Process. Projects that are unable to demonstrate that they have undertaken proportionate public consultation, and responded to the findings of that consultation, should not get Treasury or IPA approval.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the IPA's Get to Green programme will explore the possibility of reviewing how projects undertake public consultation as part of early decision-making and demonstrating engagement, within a broader project delivery framework.
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25
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
Efforts to address capability are welcome but will take time to take effect. A scarcity of appropriately experienced people and salary constraints in the public sector contribute to the ongoing problem of shortages, particularly in the SRO role. The Government needs to recognise that capability is a potential constraint on …
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Efforts to address capability are welcome but will take time to take effect. A scarcity of appropriately experienced people and salary constraints in the public sector contribute to the ongoing problem of shortages, particularly in the SRO role. The Government needs to recognise that capability is a potential constraint on its infrastructure plans.
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Government response AI summary
The government recognised that capability is a constraint on infrastructure plans and highlighted ongoing IPA efforts to improve and accelerate this through recruitment, development, and remuneration, with further consideration planned for the upcoming Spending Review.
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26
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
The Government must give further consideration to civil service upskilling if it is to deliver its infrastructure commitments, which might include a commitment to making salaries more competitive, at least in the short term. The Cabinet Office should review whether a separate pay system or allowance for SROs and valuable …
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The Government must give further consideration to civil service upskilling if it is to deliver its infrastructure commitments, which might include a commitment to making salaries more competitive, at least in the short term. The Cabinet Office should review whether a separate pay system or allowance for SROs and valuable project managers would help keep them in their roles for the duration of a project, and it should report back to the Committee in the Autumn..
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of training and skills, and is undertaking salary benchmarking and reviewing pay incentives for SROs and project leaders. Proposals for capability-based pay progression for SCS roles are also in development for potential implementation from April 2021.
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27
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
SROs should lead a project from start to completion, and remain accountable for delivering benefits after completion. Heads of Departments should ensure that the right incentives are in place to retain SROs, including career or pay progression opportunities as appropriate. SROs should have enough time to lead properly the projects …
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SROs should lead a project from start to completion, and remain accountable for delivering benefits after completion. Heads of Departments should ensure that the right incentives are in place to retain SROs, including career or pay progression opportunities as appropriate. SROs should have enough time to lead properly the projects for which they are accountable—and in many cases, this will require the SRO to work full time on that project.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on consistent SRO leadership and is exploring measures for retention, including pay and progression. Crucially, it commits that SRO time commitment will be agreed upon appointment and reviewed at key stages, with satisfactory arrangements required for project approval.
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28
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted in Part
The Committee welcomes the introduction of training for ministers in project management. It is important that ministers take the opportunity provided to educate themselves better about how projects are delivered and how they can have an impact on that, both positively and negatively. The Committee expects that all Secretaries of …
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The Committee welcomes the introduction of training for ministers in project management. It is important that ministers take the opportunity provided to educate themselves better about how projects are delivered and how they can have an impact on that, both positively and negatively. The Committee expects that all Secretaries of State and any minister with significant projects in her or his portfolio will undertake this training immediately after appointment. In its response to this Report, the Government should include a list of all ministers who have already received the training and those who are booked to complete it by the end of the calendar year. The Committee will ask for regular updates from the IPA on training after ministerial reshuffles. (Paragraph 117) 36 Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects Transparency of project delivery
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Government response AI summary
The government has introduced a new ministerial training programme, with 13 ministers already attending, and expects all relevant ministers to undertake it. However, it did not provide the requested list of ministers who have completed or are booked for the training, instead offering future updates.
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29
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
Good and transparent data is vital for parliamentary and public scrutiny of major projects. The Committee has seen examples of projects which have gone off the rails late, having shown little or no sign of difficulty through reported data. The Committee also notes that the standalone data published in IPA …
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Good and transparent data is vital for parliamentary and public scrutiny of major projects. The Committee has seen examples of projects which have gone off the rails late, having shown little or no sign of difficulty through reported data. The Committee also notes that the standalone data published in IPA reports and in Departmental annual reports and accounts do not enable individuals to know whether projects are in line with what the public was promised when projects were devised.
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Government response AI summary
The government asserted it is 'world leading' in major project data publication and described existing transparency measures, while also stating the IPA is taking steps to investigate more robust and expeditious publishing of data.
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30
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted in Part
As responsibility for policy on major projects and their management is shared across two departments, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury should write to the Committee setting out the standardised data they expect departments to collect on the most significant projects. From 2020–21, all departments should publish this information in …
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As responsibility for policy on major projects and their management is shared across two departments, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury should write to the Committee setting out the standardised data they expect departments to collect on the most significant projects. From 2020–21, all departments should publish this information in their annual reports.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that departments already provide standardised data to the IPA quarterly, and the IPA encourages them to publish it. However, there is no plan to mandate data collection for smaller projects or for all departments to publish this information in their annual reports.
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31
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Deferred
The IPA should review the data that it publishes in its Major Project Annual Report, and this should be extended at least to add timelines of project approvals and estimates.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges that increased transparency would be beneficial and states the IPA will review the proposal to consider whether project approval timelines and estimates can be added to the annual report.
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32
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Accepted
Departments with large projects should, from 2021, be able to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations of the 2019 Government financial reporting review, the revised Financial Reporting Manual and the forthcoming thematic review of project reporting review of accounts, which included publishing trends in project data. Project data published in departments’ …
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Departments with large projects should, from 2021, be able to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations of the 2019 Government financial reporting review, the revised Financial Reporting Manual and the forthcoming thematic review of project reporting review of accounts, which included publishing trends in project data. Project data published in departments’ annual reports should be easily reconciled to data published in the IPA annual report and should be consistent with announcements by ministers or local elected officials. Where information on projects differs between these documents and announcements, a clear explanation or reconciliation should be given in the relevant department’s annual report..
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Government response AI summary
The government agreed that project data should be consistent across various reporting mechanisms and announcements, stating that data published in the IPA annual report, provided by departments, should be reconciled with departmental announcements.
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33
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering the Governmen…
Acknowledged
The IPA should consider how it can publish data more quickly—and in particular highlight changes to the project, such as increases in costs or delay—so that these issues do not first emerge a year after the fact.. (Paragraph 130) Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects 37
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The IPA should consider how it can publish data more quickly—and in particular highlight changes to the project, such as increases in costs or delay—so that these issues do not first emerge a year after the fact.. (Paragraph 130) Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects 37
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of highlighting project changes quickly and states the IPA will be taking steps to look into publishing data faster, while encouraging departments to publish their own data.
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