Reports say that the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games may cost more than originally forecast because the government is reviewing the expense of developing transport and access links.
Lord Patrick Carter, chairman of a committee assessing the legacy of London’s bid, said “the cost of infrastructure tends to rise as people decide they need new roads. The government is making a clear attempt to bottom the costs and share that with the people.
MPs and members of the London Assembly are demanding clarification on the Olympic budget, now estimated to be at least five billion pounds – up from 2.375 billion pounds – following former Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) head Jack Lemley’s comments that he quit his post because of political interference, probable delays and likely overspends, reports the Telegraph.
Britain has appointed KPMG LLP to examine whether the 1.4 billion pounds allocated for transport will be sufficient to ensure the Games go to plan.
Brian Coleman, chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, announced that he will call an emergency meeting on Nov. 15 at which Lemley would be asked by video link to explain or withdraw his comments. He said, “Jack Lemley’s remarks completely undermine the warm words and vague reassurances the assembly has heard from the ODA about progress towards 2012”.
He added, “London council tax payers are entitled to know if their money is being spent effectively, the London Assembly is determined to find out”.
Hugo Swire, the shadow culture minister, has called on the government to make a public statement on Lemley’s comments. He said, “it is fast becoming clear that the budget on which our bid was founded is likely to soar and that taxpayers, and lottery good causes, face a much bigger bill as a result. Having given assurances that the original budget was water-tight, Tessa Jowell, (the cabinet minister in charge of the Olympics) must come to the House as a matter of urgency and level with us as to exactly what the Olympic bill is likely to be”.
