An update for the Committee of Public Accounts on the Programme’s progress, including rollout and take-up of superfast broadband under Phase 1 (delivery to 90% of UK premises by December 2016) and comments on initial progress for phase 2.
“Supported by lottery money, British athletes delivered some outstanding performances at the Olympics and Paralympics in Athens last summer. Looking ahead to Beijing in 2008, UK Sport needs to take action now to strengthen its management of its World Class Performance Programme so that it gets the most from its money in what are expected to the most competitive Games ever.
“In particular, UK Sport should identify the factors that helped certain sports perform well in Athens and the barriers to success in others that did less well, so that the lessons can be acted upon promptly. After the Athens Games, it is in a position to review which of its funded sports have delivered, and remain capable of delivering, world class performance.”
The Emergency Services Network is one of the most technologically advanced systems worldwide and is set to replace the existing emergency services communication system, Airwave. However several risks have been highlighted.
“The tourist industry is a significant income-earner and employer in Great Britain. VisitBritain deserves much credit for the support it provides through professional and well executed marketing activities which clearly generate high returns. However, VisitBritain now needs to focus even more on emerging markets where Great Britain can be energetically promoted as a most attractive tourist destination.”
“The process of winding-up the affairs of The New Millennium Experience Company was extremely challenging, particularly given the complexity and scale of the operation. But I am pleased to say that the preparations required before the appointment of the liquidators were accomplished successfully and, on entering voluntary liquidation, NMEC was in better financial shape than when I last reported.”
This letter and attachments were sent to the House of Lords Communications Committee following a request for written evidence on the role of the National Audit Office in relation to the BBC.
