Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Current mega-project definition excludes numerous complex and strategic government initiatives and programmes.
Recommendation
The OVFM and Treasury’s selection criteria for mega-projects excludes a number of complex projects, such as the Lower Thames Crossing and the Oxford-Cambridge arc.27 The exclusion of repeatable and scalable projects also means that the New Hospitals Programme is not classified as a mega-project, a project this committee has previously examined.28 Similarly, technically complex and innovative projects, such 23 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.1-1.7 24 Q 72 25 Q 7 26 Q 46 27 Q 72 28 Q 7; Committee of Public Accounts, The New Hospitals Programme, First Report of Session 2023–24, HC 77, 9 November 2023 11 as digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), also do not fit the OVFM and Treasury’s definition of a mega project, despite government’s clear focus on these to deliver its ambitions for public service reform.29 Developing a coherent strategic approach
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 19 January 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗