Public Accounts Committee statement on Wales Audit Office report examining major transport projects

The Chair of the Public Accounts Committee for the National Assembly for Wales has released the following statement in response to the Wales Audit Office report examining major transport projects.

Darren Millar AM said: “The Auditor General’s report comes a year after a report by the National Assembly’s own Finance Committee which was critical of the way in which the Welsh Government managed its Trunk Road Forward Programme.

“Today’s report raises fresh concerns about cost increases and delays, not only for certain trunk road projects but also for other major transport projects managed by local authorities but funded by the Welsh Government.

“Although these projects are fraught with risks and uncertainties, I am concerned about whether these issues have been properly considered when estimates of likely project costs and timescales are made.

“It is good to see that the report highlights areas where the Welsh Government has sought to improve its arrangements for delivering, or overseeing the delivery of, major transport projects.

“But it remains to be seen whether these changes will deliver a more consistent approach and improved project performance.

“At a time when the public finances are under strain, we need to be confident that we are getting the best possible value for money from projects of this nature.”

The full report on major transport projects can be viewed and downloaded from the Wales Audit Office website: www.wao.gov.uk

More information on the Public Accounts Committee including current and previous inquiries can be found here.