Project Cost Escalation from Delays
Delays in infrastructure projects driven by short-term cost-saving decisions, resulting in significantly increased overall construction costs.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 11 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
10 inquiry recs
5 PFD reports
523 committee recs
29 NAO recs
35 IMB recs
2 IMB reports
1 PHSO decision
40 LGO/SPSO decisions
1 local audit finding
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Inquiry recommendations(10)
SHI-3 — Clarity in brief for healthcare facility construction
Recommendation: It is critical that a health board formulates and then presents its requirements for the key building systems in a proposed healthcare facility (its "brief") in terms which are full, clear, and unambiguous, and that that brief is finalised before …
Gov response: On 13 March 2025, I made a statement in parliament, addressing the Interim Report and its recommendations. I accepted all recommendations and committed to provide a future update on progress around the implementation of those …
Accepted
SHI-2 — Risk assessment on funding model changes
Recommendation: Accordingly, in situations where the funding model or procurement route changes mid project, a risk assessment should be conducted to assess whether work done on the project up to that point is suitable for the revised project. The rationale for …
Gov response: On 13 March 2025, I made a statement in parliament, addressing the Interim Report and its recommendations. I accepted all recommendations and committed to provide a future update on progress around the implementation of those …
Accepted
R5 — Hospital future uncertainty resolution
Recommendation: Scottish Government should ensure that where any uncertainty over the future of any hospital or service exists, resolution of the uncertainty is not delayed any longer than is essential for planning and consultation to take place.
Gov response: The Scottish Government accepts its responsibility for the failings identified in the report and we apologise unreservedly for the suffering and loss caused. We accept in full all of the report's recommendations.
Accepted
ETI-16 — Design Engagement Process
Recommendation: Immediately following the appointment of the designer, and throughout the design of the project, the designer should engage with the promoter and owner of the project, the procurement and project manager, the local planning authority, the utility companies and interested …
Gov response: The Inquiry Report identifies a difference in the approach taken by the Council to design before and after the Mar Hall mediation. Prior to the mediation there was not a single point of contact at …
Accepted
ETI-15 — Qualified Project Management
Recommendation: In recognition of the various difficulties likely to be experienced in the design and construction of a light rail project through a city centre, the promoter and owner of the project should appoint as its procurement and project manager a …
Gov response: The Inquiry Report highlights a number of instances where there was insufficient experience in delivery to give assurance that the project would be properly managed. The procurement and project management of a project is key …
Accepted
ETI-14 — Utility Diversion Risk Management
Recommendation: Although some participants in the Inquiry criticised the use of MUDFA to divert utilities in advance of the infrastructure works and advocated the “bow wave” approach to the diversion of utilities that followed the mediation settlement at Mar Hall, I …
Gov response: The remaining thirteen recommendations cover a range of areas relating to the governance and delivery of light rail projects. While these recommendations are directed squarely at project leads and Local Authority officials, there is a …
Noted
ETI-13 — Utility Diversion Planning
Recommendation: The procurement strategy for any future light rail project should make adequate provision for the uncertainties concerning the location of utilities and redundant equipment belonging to present and past utility companies, particularly in urban centres. In particular, although it is …
Gov response: The remaining thirteen recommendations cover a range of areas relating to the governance and delivery of light rail projects. While these recommendations are directed squarely at project leads and Local Authority officials, there is a …
Noted
ETI-11 — Public Fund Protection
Recommendation: The Scottish Ministers and local authorities responsible for funding light rail projects should be mindful at all times of their obligation to protect public funds and to obtain value for public expenditure. In that regard: • the Scottish Ministers should …
Gov response: Presiding Officer, let me now turn to recommendations that involve collaboration with and working alongside COSLA and our Local Authority partners. Effective collaboration sits at the heart of this Government and the recently agreed Verity …
Noted
ETI-10 — Joint Working Group with COSLA
Recommendation: In the interests of protecting the public purse and maximising the benefits from public expenditure on major projects, the Scottish Ministers should contemplate establishing a joint working group consisting of officials in Transport Scotland and representatives of the Convention of …
Gov response: We will consider that recommendation on a case-by-case basis. The recommendation itself applies only to light rail, so that minimises the cases that it could apply to, but we will absolutely consider it. However, I …
Response Unclear
ETI-1 — Public Inquiry Efficiency
Recommendation: Scottish Ministers should undertake a review of public inquiries to determine the most cost-effective method of avoiding delay in the establishment of an inquiry, including consideration of establishing a dedicated unit within the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and publishing …
Gov response: We are working through all of these recommendations, but I can report that additional guidance similar to that suggested is already in development with reference to the efficient establishment and delivery of public inquiries and …
Response Unclear
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(5)
Emma Lifsey
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns regarding the poor visibility of old-style filament wig wag lights at level crossings, especially due to glare, and the slow pace of Network Rail's program to replace these with brighter LED lights.
Overdue
Evie Wright
Concerns: The coroner noted a significant delay in constructing a safety-enhancing footbridge near a level crossing, despite planning permission existing since 1991, with new plans now requiring a fresh application.
Response (Persimmon Homes): • Persimmon Homes attended two meetings with North Somerset District Council. • Persimmon Homes agreed to attend a further meeting with North Somerset District Council and Network Rail. • Persimmon … (AI summary)
Response (North Somerset Council): • The council confirmed it had met with Persimmon Homes to discuss progressing a response to the report. • The council stated it would seek Network Rail's comments on further … (AI summary)
Responded
Liam Seager
Concerns: The coroner noted the absence of a pedestrian crossing on the A12 near the collision site, expressing concern about the delay in implementing a traffic management order and the ongoing need for a dedicated crossing.
Response (Tower Hamlets Council): • Tower Hamlets Council has produced detailed plans for new pedestrian phases to be incorporated into the signalled junction of the A12 / Wick Lane. • The council is seeking … (AI summary)
Response (Transport for London): • Transport for London (TfL) is implementing a Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit pedestrian access to the A12, with signage installation planned once COVID-19 restrictions allow. • TfL has met … (AI summary)
Responded
Terence Gillard
Concerns: The coroner expressed concerns about an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on the A4 Great West Road lacking pedestrian lights, making safe crossing difficult. Implementation of planned safety redesigns is uncertain, with potential delays until late 2026.
Response (Transport for London): • A traffic order came into force on 18 March 2024 to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. • Transport for London is developing a proposal for signalised … (AI summary)
Response (Department for Transport): • The Department for Transport stated that Transport for London (TfL) is the highway authority responsible for the design and maintenance of the crossing. • The Department confirmed it is … (AI summary)
Response (London Borough of Hounslow): • The London Borough of Hounslow (LBH) has held discussions and site meetings with Transport for London (TfL) to improve traffic conditions. • LBH will consult on TfL's proposed designs … (AI summary)
Responded
Thomas Oldcorn
Concerns: The coroner noted that national targets for waiting times from angiography to surgery were not being met, with current waiting times exceeding the 7-day target due to inadequate resources.
Response (Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust): • The Trust recruited a Consultant Surgeon and authorised recruitment for workforce gaps in Theatres and Cardiac Intensive Care. • A dashboard is in place to track urgent cardiac surgery … (AI summary)
Responded
Select committee recommendations(523)— showing 50 strongest matches
#117 —
Recommendation: We will soon by approaching two and a half years since this Government came to power. There has been a consultation and the launch of a taskforce, but construction — or even the final selection of new towns locations — …
#37 —
Recommendation: Connecting these utilities to national networks during construction presents additional challenges. New towns are megaproject-scale endeavours, requiring complex logistical planning, especially for “sequencing” (the scheduling and execution of different stages of the building process.) Sequencing is time-critical, because each milestone …
#23 —
Recommendation: We will soon by approaching two and a half years since this Government came to power. There has been a consultation and the launch of a taskforce, but construction —or even the final selection of new towns locations—are yet to …
#183 —
Recommendation: Where parallel tracking is not available, the Mineral Products Association criticised the lack of certainty provided by the Environment Agency on whether a site will obtain the necessary permits. “Environmental permitting is far too slow and often lags behind the …
Response attribution not verified
#165 —
Recommendation: The Government should ensure that where planning applications are delayed in the planning system beyond the statutory or agreed time limit the lifespan of necessary surveys is extended. Data and analysis
Response attribution not verified
#162 —
Recommendation: Costs can also increase owing to surveys being time sensitive and time limited. Surveys of protected species like the great crested newt can only take place at certain times of year. Lands Improvement Holdings Ltd highlighted that the need to …
Response attribution not verified
#161 —
Recommendation: The costs of completing surveys can be significant. Developers and promoters must make a substantial financial outlay at the beginning of a project. The Country Land and Business Association warned that “the fear of excessive costs … deters people from …
Response attribution not verified
#81 —
Recommendation: Local housebuilding remains stalled in many areas owing to the condition of protected sites; therefore, answering these questions to ensure the Integrated Plan for Water can be properly implemented is vital for local economies, to address the housing crisis and …
Response attribution not verified
#73 —
Recommendation: Large, and growing, up-front costs disincentivise developers of all sizes from entering the housing market. For smaller developers with limited access to finance they are a greater burden. Whilst developers are willing and able to cover these costs in many …
Response attribution not verified
#68 —
Recommendation: Effective moratoria on housebuilding caused by advice such as nutrient and water neutrality risk putting small developers out of business in affected areas.
Response attribution not verified
#62 —
Recommendation: The Government should remove the need for a habitats regulations assessment to be undertaken for post-permission approvals for at least three years and for longer where development has been substantially started within the appropriate timescales for the development.
Response attribution not verified
#61 —
Recommendation: The Government should ensure that existing planning consents, which cannot be commenced because of an inability to clear conditions owing to new advice under the habitats regulations, are automatically extended for a further three years.
Response attribution not verified
#58 —
Recommendation: The interaction between planning permission and permitting is causing delays on some sites, with a specific impact on the development of brownfield land.
Response attribution not verified
#51 —
Recommendation: The Government should ensure that where planning applications are delayed in the planning system beyond the statutory or agreed time limit the lifespan of necessary surveys is extended.
Response attribution not verified
#63 —
Recommendation: The Review of Electricity Market Arrangements and decisions on locational pricing should be concluded swiftly to avoid any disruptions to investment. It should ideally include a mechanism to introduce locational incentives for industrial and energy storage projects to build in …
Response attribution not verified
#62 —
Recommendation: The Committee welcomes the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, although we note with concern that the second consultation, outlining initial reforms, is overdue from an original deadline of 2023. Variable electricity pricing, including pricing that varies by location, could help …
Response attribution not verified
#43 —
Recommendation: We have heard that obtaining planning permission for energy storage facilities can be difficult and add significantly to timelines. It is not clear that the planning system has distinct guidance for energy storage facilities as opposed to energy generation. There …
Response attribution not verified
#12 —
Recommendation: The NAO found that if spend continued at the current rates it could exceed £1.5 billion in 2028. This is before any potential transformation of British Steel, compensation to the owner, or exit costs.33 The Department told us as British …
#2 —
Recommendation: The Department does not know how much the intervention will cost the taxpayer. As at March 2026, spending was expected to reach £642 million by 30 June 2026, including adviser costs. Actual funding was £555 million by 18 June 2026 …
#27 —
Recommendation: The delay to the Government’s Single Trade Window, originally planned to be rolled out towards the end of 2024, highlights the budgetary and resource implications of trade digitisation schemes. Exploring technological solutions to facilitate and ease border processes is highly …
Response attribution not verified
#24 —
Recommendation: Sir Alan Bates told us that the Horizon schemes had become complex and legalistic in nature, increasing both the time taken to resolve cases and the cost of administering schemes60. He acknowledged that the Horizon schemes were intended to be …
#22 —
Recommendation: We asked the Departments why there is such substantial variation in the time taken to settle claims. DBT responded that it is waiting for people to submit full claims on the Horizon Compensation Schemes and it is keen to pay …
#21 —
Recommendation: Representatives of victims told us that prolonged delays in settling claims were unacceptable and had serious consequences for victims. Reverend Clive Foster informed us that Windrush victims were waiting 14 months to get a result on a claim in 2020, …
#18 —
Recommendation: The NAO’s report found that three schemes extended the time periods over which they are open to new claims after the schemes were launched, recognising that many eligible claimants had not applied within original timescales.42 It also found substantial variation …
#8 —
Recommendation: The Cabinet Office told us that its Shared Services Strategy is now entering an important phase.13 In the Matrix cluster, plans had foreseen two departments joining shared services in July 2026.14 The Cabinet Office now expects the first two departments …
Response status not verified
#5 —
Recommendation: The Cabinet Office is failing to manage effectively the interdependencies with other government change programmes. At least 25 other digital change programmes across government must work with the shared services systems. Mismanaged interdependencies have resulted in avoidable costs, delays and …
Response status not verified
#23 —
Recommendation: We are concerned that this partnership-based system is not clear on responsibilities and may not be robust enough for difficult trade-off decisions between local areas.48 For example, an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly would enable more development opportunities above the …
Response status not verified
#11 —
Recommendation: The Department told us that local places could also top up the funding from central government.19 We asked how the Department was supporting local funding contributions and ensuring areas less able to mobilise funds are not left behind. The Department …
Response status not verified
#10 —
Recommendation: We asked the Department how it would ensure within-budget delivery for Northern Powerhouse Rail phases 1 and 2 so that there is funding left for the cross-Pennine improvements in phase 3. The Department replied that its approach was to not …
Response status not verified
#9 —
Recommendation: However, the Department has a track record of high infrastructure costs and poor cost estimation on its major rail projects. For example, in February 2025 we reported that the £45 billion budget for High Speed Two (HS2) Phase 1 was …
Response status not verified
#4 —
Recommendation: The Department’s arrangements for working with local government do not appear sufficient to manage the trade-offs it will need to make on funding and scope. The Department has agreements in place with individual local areas and is working with local …
Response attribution not verified
#2 —
Recommendation: There is a clear risk that the Department will not be able to manage the programme within its £45 billion funding cap. HM Treasury has set a £45 billion funding cap for the programme. This may help affordability, but we …
Response attribution not verified
#11 —
Recommendation: The Department said that nine DNE programmes have whole-life costs of more than £10 billion, including three submarine programmes, maintaining the existing warhead and designing its replacement, and building complex infrastructure facilities at three sites.25 The Department stated that the …
Response status not verified
#25 —
Recommendation: We welcome GDS’s commitment to work with HM Treasury to ringfence funding to address legacy systems, particularly given the significant costs that remediation will create for departments and public bodies that are already under financial pressure. In its response to …
Response status not verified
#33 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Response attribution not verified
#9 —
Recommendation: The £1.9 billion estimated cost increase consisted of £1,510 million of Crossrail Ltd costs, and £390 million of Network Rail costs. Schedule delay was the largest category of cost increase of Crossrail Ltd costs, accounting for £934 million. This was …
Response attribution not verified
#8 —
Recommendation: The estimated cost of Crossrail has increased by £1.9 billion since we last reported and now stands at £18.9 billion.18 This excludes the £1.1 billion cost of the new trains and the depot at Old Oak Common which have historically …
Response attribution not verified
#58 —
Recommendation: The award of the contract to build five additional Type 26 frigates to BAE Systems is welcome news for Scottish shipbuilding, and importantly continues the shipbuilding ‘drumbeat’ into the medium-term. We note that, partly as a consequence of global challenges, …
Response attribution not verified
#56 —
Recommendation: Prior to the announcement of the Batch 2 contract, the Defence Secretary informed the House in a Written Ministerial Statement that there would be a 12-month delay to the Batch 1 frigates becoming operational, from October 2027 to October 2028. …
Response attribution not verified
#15 — GCAP must break the mould of previous multilateral defence programme failures.
Recommendation: Whilst progress to date has been positive, previous multilateral defence programmes have frequently seen costs spiral and delays pile up and GCAP will have to break the mould if it is to achieve its ambitious target date. Decisions made at …
Response attribution not verified
#23 — Home Office asylum accommodation plans consistently rated 'red' by Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
Recommendation: The Home Office had initially planned to be using the Northeye site to accommodate asylum seekers by March 2023, but this was delayed due to issues around the remediation costs and challenges getting the site operational. In March 2023, the …
Response attribution not verified
#18 — Department made slow progress and scaled back initial carbon capture ambitions
Recommendation: However, the Department has made slow progress in getting the first tranche of projects running. It had initially hoped to sign contracts with the first carbon capture projects in the second quarter of 2022, but this has been repeatedly pushed …
Response attribution not verified
#50 — Clear project scope definition essential to prevent cost escalation in infrastructure plans
Recommendation: The Department reflected that a key lesson from the experience of HS2, and which needs to inform all the Department’s future infrastructure plans, is that the Department needs to be very clear when it sets out on a large project …
Response attribution not verified
#48 — HS2 Euston exemplifies department's failure to learn from past major rail projects
Recommendation: The previous Public Accounts Committee also concluded in its 2023 report on HS2 Euston that it was another example of the Department making the same mistakes and failing to learn lessons from its management of other major rail programmes, highlighting …
Response attribution not verified
#38 — HS2 Ltd spent £592 million on land for cancelled Phase 2 route
Recommendation: Up to the end of March 2024, HS2 Ltd had spent £3.7 billion on buying land and property along the HS2 route, of which £592 million relates to the cancelled Phase 2.66 The types of land and property include agricultural, …
Response attribution not verified
#36 — Euston tunneling confirmed, but completion date for HS2 services remains unknown.
Recommendation: In the 2024 Autumn Budget, the government confirmed that HS2 would terminate at Euston, announcing that it would fund the work to tunnel from Old Oak Common in west London to Euston.61 The previous Public Accounts 57 Qq 78–80 58 …
Response attribution not verified
#25 — Bat protection structure increased specific railway section costs from £73 million to £168 million.
Recommendation: In follow–up evidence, the Department confirmed that the total cost of building the structure will be £95 million (in 2019 prices). The Department also reported that the cost of building that section of the railway, irrespective of any mitigation works, …
Response attribution not verified
#24 — Department and HS2 Ltd recognise need for improved balance between environmental compliance and cost.
Recommendation: The Department strongly agreed, however, about how the balance between compliance and cost should be considered when delivering national infrastructure in the future.41 HS2 Ltd also recognised that it was a complex issue and a sensitive area, telling us that …
Response attribution not verified
#23 — HS2 Ltd concluded £95m bat tunnel was most efficient option after considering 15 alternatives.
Recommendation: HS2 Ltd confirmed that it was its decision to build the structure and not one required by Natural England. However, the Department and HS2 Ltd told us that, despite its cost, that they had concluded the ‘tunnel’ structure was the …
Response attribution not verified
#22 — Ensure environmental legislation requirements do not disproportionately increase major public infrastructure project costs.
Recommendation: We challenged the Department on the balance in legislation that needs to be taken between meeting environmental obligations and costs, raising the example of the £100 million cost of a protective ‘bat tunnel’.36 In order to mitigate HS2’s impact on …
Response attribution not verified
NAO audit recommendations(29)
HS2: update following cancellation of Phase 2
At Euston, DfT should: ? while the long-term delivery and funding arrangements are being developed, make the time-critical decisions on progressing necessary works at Euston where not making them would create risks to value for money.
Accepted
Levelling up funding to local government
Given the delays to projects across the Levelling Up Fund and Towns Fund, DLUHC should set out what further action it is going to take if projects cannot be completed within the existing funding deadlines. This could include resetting expectations …
Accepted
Resilience to flooding
h in the next 12 months, develop a plan of work to investigate the reasons for the increased inaccuracy and uncertainty in its business case forecasts and, based on the findings, put in place remedial actions
Accepted
Resilience to flooding
Defra and EA together should, as part of planning for the next capital programme: c consider how they expect the profile of projects to change in size and nature and implement any partnership funding policy, rule or process changes that …
Accepted
Resilience to flooding
by April 2024, explore how to ensure there is the necessary flexibility to easily switch money from the capital programme into the asset maintenance budget where it is value for money, and ensure the decision-making process is streamlined to enable …
Accepted
Road enhancements: progress with the second road investment strategy (2020 to 2025)
In preparing for the third road investment strategy, DfT and National Highways should: regularly update the estimated cost of the work planned for the third road strategy during development of the delivery plan.
Accepted
Road enhancements: progress with the second road investment strategy (2020 to 2025)
In preparing for the third road investment strategy, DfT and National Highways should: assess the feasibility and affordability of including new enhancements in the third road strategy. Doing so will require determination from HM Treasury of the expected funding envelope;
Accepted
Road enhancements: progress with the second road investment strategy (2020 to 2025)
National Highways and DfT, working with HM Treasury, should develop a response to current inflationary pressures that ensures stability for the portfolio.
Accepted
Investigation into the management of the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre
To help manage the emerging risks, we recommend that the Department: reflecting that new risks have emerged since the Full Business Case was approved (such as difficulties with planning permission and construction cost inflation), have further discussions with HM Treasury …
Accepted
Investigation into the management of the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre
To help manage the emerging risks, we recommend that the Department: implement its plans to mitigate the impact on time and cost of the ongoing legal process regarding planning permission and to regularly review and update these plans in light …
Accepted
Levelling up funding to local government
DLUHC should work with HM Treasury to ensure that funds for impact evaluation are secured beyond the current spending cycle and explore whether funding deadlines for the current funds can be extended to protect value for money.
Accepted
Resilience to flooding
i ensure that the Delivery Portfolio Improvement Plan delivers against its data and systems objectives by April 2024 to ensure the data EA collects and uses are complete, consistent and accurate, and provides the transparency needed by senior officials and …
Accepted
Resilience to flooding
Defra, EA and HM Treasury should: a work together to ensure that decisions on the current reprofiling of the capital programme are not influenced by short-term funding periods and targets and are focused on maximising long-term value for money
Accepted
Progress with the New Hospital Programme
In its third programme business case, NHP should quantify the potential costs of its commercial approach, including any premium from attempting to construct a large number of hospitals at once as well as any costs to government of backing an …
Accepted
Progress with the New Hospital Programme
NHP should increase its focus on completing the planning process for cohort 2 schemes and getting as many as possible into construction before the end of 2024 to prevent further bunching of schemes in the second half of the 2020s.
Accepted
Improving Broadband
f) present a detailed plan and schedule, reflecting on learning from the recent pandemic to pinpoint gaps in current broadband provision, identifying: • how it will meet the proposed timeline together with additional costs and benefits of accelerating the programme;
Accepted
Improving the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down
Regarding the Amesbury to Berwick Down project, Highways England and the Department should review carefully the planned ‘open to traffic’ date to ensure it is achievable.
Accepted
Progress delivering the Emergency Services Network
The Home Office should develop a contingency plan that sets out what it will do if technology on which the overall ESN programme is dependent does not work. The contingency plan should be linked to key delivery milestones for the …
Accepted
Progress delivering the Emergency Services Network
The Home Office needs to work with other sponsors and users to develop the arrangements for managing ESN once it is fully operational. How the ESN service will be governed and managed when it is a live service is still …
Accepted
Progress delivering the Emergency Services Network
The Home Office needs to decide how the vital work to integrate all the ESN technology will be carried out. It should clearly set out whether this technical integration is part of the new contract for “programme advisory and delivery …
Accepted
Progress delivering the Emergency Services Network
The Home Office needs to test its overall programme plan, to determine whether the new schedule for launching ESN and shutting down Airwave is achievable. It should prepare a comprehensive plan as soon as possible, covering all key elements of …
Accepted
Completing Crossrail
c) Crossrail Ltd should rebuild its capacity and capability to complete the programme in a timely and cost-effective way.
Accepted
Completing Crossrail
b) Crossrail Ltd, working with sponsors, should establish a range of scenarios that set out the potential future impacts on the taxpayer, passengers and businesses and develop plans for how further cost increases or delays in collecting revenue will be …
Accepted
Completing Crossrail
For the Crossrail programme: a) Crossrail Ltd should continue to refine its plan to complete the programme, establish a realistic cost estimate, and resist external attempts to influence timetable and cost.
Accepted
NHS Financial Management and Sustainability
To facilitate greater efforts at medium- and longer-term financial planning, DHSC and NHSE should propose to HM Treasury ways to deploy more health funding on a longer timeframe than annual allocation and planning cycles allow. Remedies could include greater flexibility …
Accepted
Investigation into the East West Rail project (Oxford – Cambridge)
To maintain an affordable programme of work, DfT and EWR Co should reflect on learning from other recent rail projects and assure themselves that they have adequate controls and governance in place to monitor and manage costs.
Accepted
High Speed Two: A progress update
On the High Speed Two programme: a) the Department should periodically assure itself about the feasibility of completing the programme to agreed revised opening dates and the likely success of actions to improve delivery confidence, and whether any delays against …
Accepted
The Farming and Countryside Programme
Defra should: a ensure that the full Programme business case for Phase 3 of the Programme, currently in preparation, includes a comprehensive and realistic assessment of the funding needed to meet all the Programme?s objectives;
Accepted
High Speed Two: A progress update
f) HM Treasury, the Department and HS2 Ltd should take decisions on the scope and available funding for the programme, taking into account the trade-offs between cost and benefits. It should reflect a realistic assessment of the full cost of …
Accepted
IMB annual reports(2)
Ford (2023)
HMP Ford, a Category D open prison, achieved positive recognition from HMIP for its safe and humane environment, with commendable healthcare and a strong focus on rehabilitation. While the prison effectively supports resettlement and purposeful activity, the IMB raises significant concerns regarding the severe under-maintenance of the estate, slow progress on a planned expansion, and persistent issues with external Probation Service support. Additionally, challenges with external contractors for education and the ongoing problem of inter-prison property transfers continue to hinder prisoner progression.
PRISON
Key concerns
Brinsford (2023)
HMP/YOI Brinsford, a resettlement prison, maintained low levels of self-harm and overall violence compared to similar establishments, with good provision of healthcare and fair treatment for prisoners. However, the report highlights significant ongoing challenges including an inadequate education contract, persistent delays in mental health transfers, and limited, unfulfilling purposeful activity. Infrastructure issues like heating problems and a long-standing leak in reception also remain key concerns.
PRISON
Key concerns
IMB individual recommendations(35)
Birmingham (2025)
Why was the collapse of ISG not anticipated within the Ministry? With significant work already undertaken on the refurbishment of A, B and C wings, why was more effort not made within the Ministry to instate a new contractor and get the work completed faster? From September 2024 to June 2025, no work was undertaken while still using significant amounts …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Larne House Short Term Holding Facilities (2020)
That in future projects, funding for refurbishment be allocated from a single budget, with one agent having overall responsibility for successful completion of the work. This would avoid unacceptably long delays occurring, such as that experienced in the completion of the refurbishment of the HRs at Glasgow Airport (see (c) above).
Other
Wandsworth (2021)
Funding for an upgrade to the CCTV system was approved over a year ago. When will this long overdue essential work be carried out?
HMPPS
In Progress
Kirkham (2021)
The Board is pleased that work has eventually started on the demolition of the old hangars, however progression has been much slower than planned and additional costs are being incurred. The funding included the building and furnishing of a new gym which is expected to be the final stage of the project. The Board wishes for a reassurance that final …
HMPPS
In Progress
Erlestoke (2022)
What is the revised timetable for completing the replacement of the residential wings, given there have been several delays and missed deadlines, so prisoners can benefit from the progression regime being in one location?
HMPPS
In Progress
Eastwood Park (2022)
Ongoing delays with the construction of a new activities centre mean that completion of this desperately needed facility is late by several months. Why are such delays accepted?
HMPPS
Noted
Winchester (2023)
When will the much-delayed construction of the new CSU restart?
HMPPS
In Progress
Drake Hall (2023)
The Board urges the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to reconsider the above estimate, with a view to establishing a more affordable price that will allow work to commence as soon as possible.
Ministry of Justice
Preston (2025)
We have repeatedly raised concerns about the fabric of this Victorian prison. The reception area and the gatehouse are not fit for purpose and the offender management unit’s prefabricated structure was condemned 15 years ago. Despite previous responses acknowledging these problems, there has been no apparent progress to address this or secure alternative solutions in the past year. What is …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Ford (2025)
As we have reported for some years, the building infrastructure across Ford is failing, with each occurrence being addressed with short-term fixes, which, in the long run, cost the taxpayer more. Will the Minister commit to both undertaking a detailed survey and investigation of the existing fabric and services and to setting out a clear timetable for the development and …
Ministry of Justice
Partially Accepted
Maidstone (2020)
Linked to the above point, make ring-fenced funds available for specific projects and complete these within realistic timescales – for example, the sports hall and showers (see paragraph 7.7).
Other
Partially Accepted
Feltham (2021)
It was noted that during 2020-21, significant funding was made available to undertake necessary building works at Feltham, but various protracted delays beyond the control of the prison meant work did not commence within the relevant budget period, and that as a result these much-needed works could now be at risk. Will HMPPS ensure that funds will be rolled forward …
HMPPS
Implemented
Ford (2022)
Whilst accepting that the country is facing significant economic headwinds, it is nonetheless disappointing to report on the level of uncertainty in committing the funding for both day to day activities and most particularly capital projects. The reversal of the progress on the plan to replace B wing and the health centre, with completion now pushed out to 2025 from …
HMPPS
Eastwood Park (2022)
Construction of the new activities centre is way behind the original June 2022 completion date. From handover of the building how long will it take for this important training facility to become operational?
Governor / Director
Noted
Liverpool (2024)
When does the prison service expect to complete both the refurbishment of G wing, which is currently not available for use and the new workshops, that were abandoned with the collapse of ISG, the construction contractor in the summer of 2024?
HMPPS
Brinsford (2023)
Estates have had a contractor in to look at this problem and submit a price, which has required the Area Property Operations Manager (APOM) to submit a bid for the repairs. Why is it taking so long for monies to be made available for essential work to be carried out?
Ministry of Justice
Eastwood Park (2020)
Is it considered to be best value for Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to fund the manufacture of urgently needed replacement windows and fire doors by prison industries in 2018 and 2020, respectively, and then deliver and take them into store at Leyhill and Eastwood Park prisons, only subsequently to decline funding to install them?
HMPPS
Noted
Wandsworth (2021)
The re-role to a reception prison was originally expected to take place in 2017. The date was put back to 2018 and then again to early 2019. The change did not happen and was rescheduled for late 2020 but again did not materialise. At the period end, there were 1,097 prisoners on remand, 73% of the total population. When will …
HMPPS
In Progress
Ford (2021)
The doubling of the capacity of the prison in the current year will require close monitoring to avoid further expensive mistakes.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Holme House (2022)
We would like to see funding being provided to the prison in a timely manner to ensure that essential repairs can be carried out when they are needed.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Erlestoke (2023)
What reassurance can be given that the revised dates for occupation of the replacement wings will not be delayed yet again, thus impacting the delivery of the PR?
HMPPS
Winchester (2024)
When will the funding for the construction of a new emergency control room and modernised CCTV system be approved?
HMPPS
In Progress
Winchester (2024)
When will the much-delayed construction of the new CSU restart?
HMPPS
In Progress
Kirklevington Grange (2024)
The Minister should address the lack of visible progress on the development of replacement accommodation units at Kirklevington under the rapid development cell programme (RDCS), which affects the ability of the establishment to introduce more prisoners to outside paid employment.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Eastwood Park (2025)
Numerous works projects were delayed, including bathroom refurbishments, replacement of Res 7, replacement carpeting on Res 5 and 6, replacement fire ring main and the new video conferencing centre. There appeared to be so much waste in planning these projects, only for them to either be delayed or cancelled at the last moment. How will the Minister ensure that future …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Kirklevington Grange (2020)
When will capital funding be released for replacement blocks and infrastructure works?
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Isle of Wight (2020)
There is considerable concern that a newly refurbished wing in the prison has had a number of outstanding problems since August 2020, and four months later they were still outstanding (para 5.1.1.) What mechanisms are in place to ensure refurbishment projects are completed in full and on time?
HMPPS
In Progress
Wandsworth (2023)
The new multi-million pound healthcare centre has still not opened over one year after its original scheduled opening date. Prisoners have therefore been deprived of the benefit it would have brought. When will the centre open?
HMPPS
Holme House (2024)
Can the Minister reassure the Board that the major capital works to the roofs will be funded and executed during 2025? If no reassurance can be given, can the Minister explain why?
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Channings Wood (2024)
The inability to conduct timely repairs to roofing, heating systems and work-related equipment continues to undermine operational effectiveness and limit capacity in purposeful activity. As in our previous report, the Board, again, asks why has this situation been allowed to drag on for so long and when will it be resolved?
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Brinsford (2023)
The contract for the supply and fitting of the new boilers throughout the prison was wholly inadequate. This contract failed to cover the flushing out of the old pipes and failed to fit individual thermostats to units, all adding further costs to the original price. And all at a cost to the public.
Ministry of Justice
Kirklevington Grange (2020)
Can the process be resolved with some urgency?
HMPPS
In Progress
Erlestoke (2024)
What guarantees can be given that all ancillary facilities will match the needs of the increased prison population when the new small secure house blocks are occupied in 2025?
Other
Accepted
Warren Hill (2025)
In a similar vein, there remains some uncertainty about whether new kitchen facilities will be provided solely for the Warren Hill site. Will a new kitchen solely for the Warren Hill site be provided as part of the proposed expansion programme?
HMPPS
Accepted
Lincoln (2025)
The Board recommends action is taken to rectify the length of time taken and the quality of work undertaken when dealing with numerous repair and maintenance jobs across the establishment, including delays to project work starting and then continued delays when work begins.
HMPPS
In Progress
Health investigations(2)
An independent review into the independent sector provider One to … — Rec 2
Business plans should be rigorously stress tested to ensure assumptions in areas of risk are appropriate and that the business plan has a buffer for contingencies and unexpected variations in key assumptions.
north_west
Independent investigation: Bridget MaclennanElizabeth Valad, Camden — Rec 3
Complex reports involving consultation about, or specialist assessment of, patients should be prepared according to a timescale agreed in advance. Failure to meet a deadline should always require those preparing the report to contact the person who commissioned it to discuss the delay and agree a revised deadline.
london
Independent reviews(40)
Corry Defra Regulation Review — Rec 23
Proposed nature-based solution (NBS), such as wetland mosaics for flood alleviation, currently go through full planning permission, equivalent to major infrastructure, which increases time and cost. Defra should conduct a six-month sprint, with industry, on removing the barriers to using NBS to flooding and pollution including planning, benefit-to-cost ratios, orders …
Other
Shaw Review of Network Rail — Rec 6
Recommendation 6: Explore new ways of paying for the growth in passengers and freight on the railway. Further options for involving private sector finance – for example, from letting a concession, or involving suppliers in technological investment – should be explored to release government capital, encourage innovation, and speed up …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 29
As a result of the efficiency and resource measures outlined, the targets for appeals processing should be tightened to bring about a step-change in performance: • the targets for 2007-08 should include a new requirement that 80 per cent of all written representations will be dealt within 16 weeks; • …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 27
There should be a series of reforms to improve the efficiency of the appeals system. These should include: • PINS setting out further proposals for how to increase the productivity of Inspectors, including ensuring appropriate use of support staff to free up Inspector resource; • PINS being granted the right …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 26
The Department of Communities and Local Government should reduce the non-appeal demands made on the Planning Inspectorate. This should include working with local planning authorities to reduce both the number and the length and complexity of their development plan documents, so that there is a reduction in the proportion of …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 25
DCLG should establish a planning mediation service to act as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism within the planning system. PINS should also explore further means of reducing the demand for the appeals system. This should include greater use of powers to charge for unreasonable behaviour leading to unnecessary expenses. Enhancing …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 12
Measures should be taken to limit Ministerial decision-making to only those cases where there are national or wider than local spillover effects and to reduce the time taken to decide planning applications made under the Town and Country Planning legislation. The Government should: • review the Town and Country Planning …
Other
IOPC Review — Rec 83
The IOPC's revised Medium-Term Financial Plan should consider the risk and higher costs associated with any delay to the completion of the IOPC's Hillsborough investigations.
Policing & Security
Oakervee Review — Rec 52
Conclusion 52: The net economic cost to the transport budget, as valued by DfT TAG, of HS2 has increased from £40bn to £62-69bn (present values, 2015 prices).
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 40
Conclusion 40: Going forward, HS2 Ltd needs to demonstrate improvements, to the satisfaction of HS2 Ltd’s board, the DfT and HM Treasury, in cost estimation, management and control. Commercial strategy, design management & construction management
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 27
Conclusion 27: Within the constraints of the Phase 2a Bill, HS2 Ltd and the DfT should investigate the potential to optimise the design and reduce costs on Phase 2a. 9. HS2 stations
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 24
Conclusion 24: There needs to be a full review of the milestones within the Phase One Main Works Civils contracts with a view to keeping costs down Procurement and contracting approach
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 21
Conclusion 21: Given the cost position outlined in this section, HS2 as currently scoped is not afordable within its present funding envelope which was set in 2013 and revised in 2015. As previously indicated at conclusion 10 in section 6 above, the Review considers that the government should commit to …
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 18
Conclusion 18: Given the revised schedule forecast for Phase One and Phase 2a set out in the Chairman’s Stocktake, the government should consider merging the construction of Phase 2a with that of Phase One.
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 17
Conclusion 17: While the Review has not been able to develop its own botom-up estimate of costs on the HS2 project, it considers that costs on the HS2 project could be around 15 to 20 per cent higher than those set out in the Chairman’s Stocktake. Critically, this assumes, amongst …
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 16
Conclusion 16: Phase Two: There is far less certainty on the costs and schedule for Phase Two. It would be unwise to commit a specific cost number for Phase Two given the choices on Phase 2b route that are still to be made, the design maturity and the level of …
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 15
Conclusion 15: Phase One: The Review has examined HS2 Ltd cost estimates. There is considerable risk that the prices for Phase One will not remain at the levels set out in the Chairman’s Stocktake unless rigorous cost controls are put in place. Cost controls will be key to ensuring that …
Other
Carter Legal Aid Review — Rec 4.21
The existing High Cost Cases Review Board should develop a robust trial estimate procedure for very high cost criminal cases. The procedure would: • provide an estimate of the trial length which should be scrutinised by the court, the prosecution and the defence; • provide for a detailed timetable agreed …
Justice & Legal
Carter Legal Aid Review — Rec 4.20
The Legal Services Commission should design a pro forma notification document to assist in the early identification of potential very high costs criminal cases by September 2006. Annex 4.7 sets out the key points that this document should cover.
Justice & Legal
Carter Legal Aid Review — Rec 4.19
The Legal Services Commission should require all defence teams and prosecution bodies to notify all cases that would be expected to last 25 days or more at trial and/or the defence teams costs are estimated to be £100,000 or greater. The Legal Services Commission should contract all cases that would …
Justice & Legal
Carter Legal Aid Review — Rec 4.3
The register of potential very high cost criminal cases should be developed further to include early identification of cases. The prosecution authorities should work together to notify the Complex Crime Unit of a potential very high cost case on the questioning or charge of an individual. Changes to the Complex …
Justice & Legal
Oakervee Review — Rec 33
Conclusion 33: The existing design for the HS2 station at Euston is not satisfactory. For the future Euston station, there should be a study led by the SRO, looking into the efficiency of the future station as a whole including considering options to simplify the HS2 approach to Euston station.
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 25
Conclusion 25: ahead of issuing NtP for Phase One, the government should ensure that HS2 Ltd achieves a satisfactory position with each of the Main Works Civils contractors in order to obtain acceptable Stage 2 prices and a reasonable level of value engineering. If HS2 Ltd cannot achieve a satisfactory …
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 23
Conclusion 23: On balance the Review considered that reducing the specifications of HS2 Phase One should continue to be looked at, but only within the limits of the Phase One Act powers. This is due to the significant costs of making changes to these powers both in terms of time …
Other
Cunliffe Water Commission — Rec 73
Recommendation 73: Planning processes in England should be updated to support the timely delivery of water industry infrastructure.
Other
Carter Legal Aid Review — Rec 4.23
The Legal Services Commission should consider the potential to generate a 5% saving on current spending through the combination of competition on rates and tighter management of very high cost criminal cases in the financial year 2008-09.
Justice & Legal
Carter Legal Aid Review — Rec 4.11
DCA and the Legal Services Commission should apply the ring fenced and capped budgets for Crown Court advocacy ancillary payments as set out in Annex 4.5. These budgets should be monitored on a quarterly basis. If the budget is exceeded in the financial year the payments will cease to be …
Justice & Legal
Tickell Research Bureaucracy Review — Rec 12
Wherever possible, funders should build in flexibilities including no cost extensions within manageable parameters to reduce delays in addressing project changes and the number of queries funders receive.
Other
Tickell Research Bureaucracy Review — Rec 10
Funders and recipients should ensure there is adequate time for the completion of all necessary tasks (including providing assurance information) between the issue of the award letter and the start of the project.
Other
Levene Defence Reform Report — Rec 9
Key recommendation 9. The Chief of Defence Materiel (CDM) has a crucial role in managing through the consequences of the over-committed equipment and support programme and should have the authority he needs to do that.
Other
Goldacre Review — Rec TRE 50
Funders should avoid short- term funding for infrastructure There is a clear tendency for some academic resource on data infrastructure to be awarded on very short timelines. This may reflect: TRE funding standing outside of conventional competitive funding structures; a lack of strategic coordination; some pressure around short-term funding horizons …
Health & Social Care
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 12
NOMS should provide sufficient capital funds to allow for the building or the modernisation of sufficient cells to “Safer Cell” standards to meet that assessment and also for the subsequent maintenance of the sufficient cells to that standard.
Justice & Legal
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 19
The planning application system should be made more efficient so that high quality outcomes are delivered through a value-for-money process. This should include: • more widespread use of pre-application discussions, which are often of great value to both planning departments and applicants. Where appropriate these should be used as an …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 17
The Government should, as a matter of priority, work with local planning authorities and other bodies such as the Better Regulation Executive to reduce substantially the information requirements required to support planning applications. The principle should be to move towards a risk-based and proportionate approach to information requests. Action should …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 16
The Government should formally commit to the gradual unification of the various consent regimes related to planning following the proposed unification of scheduled monuments and listed building consents, and should set out proposals in 2007. One option would be to bring together the heritage and planning consents. Streamlining the planning …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 15
Local planning authorities and regional planning bodies should continue to develop their development plans as expeditiously as possible to provide a clear planning framework for decisions. DCLG should urgently review the regulations and guidance behind the new plan-making system to enable the next generation of development plan documents to be …
Other
Barker Land Use Planning Review — Rec 11
In order to ensure that this new decision-making model is effective the Government should: • rationalise consent regimes to ensure that infrastructure projects of major significance can be treated holistically and that the independent Planning Commission can take all the necessary planning decisions (if more than one is still required) …
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 43
Conclusion 43: The government should appoint non-executive directors to the HS2 Ltd board. The government needs to ensure it has clear oversight into what is happening on the project and proper control over costs.
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 32
Conclusion 32: Until the issues set out in conclusions 28 to 31 above are sufficiently progressed, procurements for the development of HS2 stations should be paused. Euston station: costs, options and governance
Other
Oakervee Review — Rec 12
Conclusion 12: Preparation of materials for the Phase 2b Bill as currently designed should be paused and await the outcome of this study. Given experience on Phase One, having smaller Bills/phases may be beter to allow easier scrutiny of proposals in Parliament and faster construction.
Other
LGO / SPSO decisions(40)
21-004-846 — Surrey County Council
Summary: Mr X complained about the way the Council handled his application for a mini s278 agreement under the Highways Act. The Council was at fault for not clearly managing Mr X’s expectations about the timescales involved and for delay in completing the agreement. The delays caused Mr D frustration …
LGO (Local Government & …
Transport And Highways
Upheld
Feb 2022
201004601 — North Lanarkshire Council
Mr C complained that the council failed to properly deal with his planning application for an extension to his home. He said that the council lost documents and unnecessarily delayed their decision to grant planning consent. After consent was granted, Mr C raised his concerns with the council about the …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Local Government
Upheld
Jun 2011
25-003-069 — Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Summary: We found fault with the Council taking 18 months too long to complete the works for Ms X’s Disability Facilities Grant application. The Council agreed to apologise to Ms X and pay her £3,750 for the avoidable distress, difficulty and uncertainty it caused.
LGO (Local Government & …
Adult Care Services
Upheld
Jan 2026
22-009-391 — Birmingham City Council
Summary: Mr B complains the Council has delayed in carrying out works to complete a dropped kerb for his property. Mr B says he has paid a significant amount of money for the works, but the Council has not followed through despite persistent chasing. The Ombudsman finds fault in the …
LGO (Local Government & …
Transport And Highways
Upheld
Dec 2022
24-007-112 — North Warwickshire Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to ensure a development site is progressed according to planning conditions. The Council confirmed it is working with the relevant bodies to achieve compliance and discharge the planning condition. We consider that further investigation will not lead to a …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Oct 2024
24-019-037 — Vale Of White Horse District Council
Summary: Mr B complained that the Council delayed excessively in registering a planning application to regularise breaches of planning control on a site including Mr B’s property and had failed to take enforcement action over a number of years. We found the Council delayed excessively in progressing the current application. …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Aug 2025
201102253 — Angus Council
Miss C asked the council to change the type of heating in her house from electric to gas. When they said they would not do this, she complained that this was unfair because council tenants with solid fuel heating have a choice of heating type. Miss C said that the …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Local Government
Dec 2012
21-008-139 — Thurrock Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to determine an application to vary his section 106 planning agreement and that this has caused him significant losses. We ended our investigation because it is unlikely to result in a meaningful outcome.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Not Upheld
Mar 2022
20-009-461 — Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council
Summary: Mr and Mrs X complain about a lack of planning enforcement action on a neighbouring development. I find fault by the Council because of unreasonable delay in acting on Mr and Mrs X’s concerns. I recommend the Council now prioritise their concerns and make a time and trouble payment …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Mar 2022
22-004-752 — Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s failure to determine his planning application. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council and we could not achieve any worthwhile outcome for Mr X. Mr X also had a right of appeal for …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jul 2022
22-004-414 — Adur District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s pursuit of a project which the complainant says was bound to fail. The financial cost to the Council is something which affects all residents and is therefore outside our jurisdiction. Also, we do not consider the complainant has suffered a …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Dec 2022
24-022-111 — Sheffield City Council
Summary: Mrs X complained the Council delayed issuing building control approval. There was delay as it took over seven months for the application to be approved. This delayed Mrs X’s building work and caused frustration. The Council will make a payment to recognise the distress caused.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Sep 2025
24-022-332 — Maidstone Borough Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to process his planning application properly, causing delay, distress and financial loss. We found the Council to be at fault because there were avoidable errors in the planning consent that meant another application had to be made. To remedy the injustice to Mr …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Jan 2026
22-005-311 — Huntingdonshire District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s delay in determination and refusal of Mr X’s planning applications. It was reasonable for him to appeal to a government minister for the delay and the decisions on his applications.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Dec 2022
23-019-560 — West Suffolk Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council processing of planning applications. We have seen no reason why the complainant could not have come to us much sooner about events occurring more than twelve months ago. Complaints about these matters are late. Also, the complainant had a right …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Apr 2024
23-019-837 — London Borough of Croydon
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a breach of planning control and an application to discharge planning conditions. This is because we are unlikely to find fault with how the application to discharge the planning conditions was dealt with. It is not yet …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
May 2024
23-012-893 — Derby City Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s approval of a development near his home. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
May 2024
23-012-812 — Wychavon District Council
Summary: Mr D says the Council failed to follow the correct process for a planning application. We have upheld the complaint because there were some errors by the Council which it already acknowledged and apologised for in 2023. We have completed the investigation because there is no additional fault or …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
May 2024
23-021-474 — Torbay Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the non-determination of a planning application
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
May 2024
24-015-314 — Wychavon District Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council failed to comply with a decision by the Planning Inspector and incurred her losses of more than £3,000. This is because it would be reasonable for Mrs X to make a claim against the Council at court.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Apr 2025
25-001-888 — Basildon Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s response to repairs to her garage. Part of her complaint is late and there are insufficient good reasons to consider the complaint now. Of the parts that are in time, it is unlikely we would find fault in the …
LGO (Local Government & …
Other Categories
May 2025
25-002-789 — Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with the complainant’s planning application. This is because the complainant had the right to appeal to the Planning Inspector. The complainant has also not suffered significant injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jun 2025
25-006-687 — London Borough of Ealing
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council dealt with an application for a Lawful Development Certificate for Proposed Use or Development as it is made too late. We cannot investigate the complaint about the way the Council processed a planning application as the complainant appealed …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jan 2026
25-000-401 — Rother District Council
Summary: Mrs X complains the Council has not properly considered taking enforcement action against breaches of planning permission. The Council is not at fault.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Not Upheld
Jan 2026
25-022-097 — Leicester City Council
Summary: We cannot investigate Dr B’s complaint about a planning enforcement notice. This is because Dr B put in an appeal to the Planning Inspector.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jan 2026
25-011-709 — Southend-on-Sea City Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about planning enforcement. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to warrant investigation by us.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jan 2026
25-011-384 — Manchester City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of the complainant’s planning application. There is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council, and it is reasonable to expect the complainant to have used his right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate if he disagreed with the amendments …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jan 2026
25-001-755 — Sheffield City Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to properly investigate or take appropriate enforcement action in relation to breaches of planning permission at a neighbouring property. Mr X also complains the Council has wrongly approved a retrospective planning application and included a planning condition that does not secure its objective. …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Jan 2026
25-011-602 — Horsham District Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s administration of a community infrastructure levy charge. Mr X has had rights of appeal it would be reasonable to use against the Council’s calculation, the deemed commencement date and a surcharge imposed. Any matters of alleged unlawfulness are ones …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jan 2026
24-001-686 — Bristol City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about compensation paid under the Land Compensation Act 1973 as Mrs X had the right to have the dispute determined by an independent tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Other Categories
Sep 2024
25-000-343 — Wiltshire Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about planning permission and a highway obstruction because the matter is partly out of time, there is a legal remedy and there is no evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jun 2025
25-000-181 — King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a planning application. This is because the complainant has not suffered any significant injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Jun 2025
25-005-617 — North Somerset Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a planning application. This is because the complaint is late. It is also unlikely we would find fault.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Aug 2025
25-005-391 — Spelthorne Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a building control matter. This is because we cannot determine whether the work complained about is compliant with the Building Regulations and we cannot therefore achieve any worthwhile outcome for Mr X.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Nov 2025
24-023-382 — Wiltshire Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to properly notify him of a planning application on a neighbouring property which prevented him from making objections, and subsequently wrongly approved two planning applications which has had significant negative impacts on his wellbeing, his farm and its visitors, the greenbelt and the …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Nov 2025
24-020-433 — Mid Suffolk District Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about how the Council dealt with a planning application. This is because part of the complaint is late. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s enforcement of planning conditions to justify our involvement.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Nov 2025
24-017-980 — Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to progress his complaint about a building control breach in a timely manner. The Council took over two years to make any meaningful progress on Mr X’s complaint. This is fault and caused Mr X undue distress, uncertainty and frustration. The Council agreed …
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Upheld
Nov 2025
25-012-549 — London Borough of Harrow
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a building control matter. This is because it is unlikely we could achieve a worthwhile outcome for the complainant.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Nov 2025
25-012-517 — Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a breach of planning control. This is because the complainant has appealed to the Planning Inspector. The complainant has not suffered significant injustice in relation to the remaining issues complained about.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Nov 2025
25-010-622 — High Peak Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council allowing a café to open on bank holidays as a non-material amendment to a planning permission. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council or injustice to Ms X to warrant investigation by us.
LGO (Local Government & …
Planning
Nov 2025