And they say Network Rail wastes money....

[whole diary]

[bemmy]

The DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) likes to lecture Network Rail on how it must drive its costs down further, but this report shows how much they know about saving money:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7784868.stm
 

A "stupendously incompetent" government efficiency drive designed to save ^57m has left taxpayers with an ^81m bill, a report by MPs^▸ (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) says.

The Department for Transport scheme aimed to cut administration costs by basing payroll, finance and personnel services all on one site in Swansea.

But the public accounts committee said it had started late, had not been fully introduced and was set to make losses.

...............

In its report, the committee said: "Despite the extent of mismanagement in this case, no individuals have been dismissed or properly held to account."

Mr Leigh called on the department to work to deliver a functioning, trustworthy and beneficial system.

The shared services centre in Swansea was originally forecast to cost ^55m and lead to ^112m of savings - a benefit of ^57m.

But the department now estimates the programme will cost ^121m and save ^40m, meaning taxpayers will have to make up the ^81m difference.

No doubt the unnamed IT consultants involved will still be in line for the next government contract handout.