The BBC should strengthen its approach to achieving value for money in its soaps by being more systematic in comparing and challenging production costs and processes.
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.
This Departmental Overview is one of 17 we have produced covering our work on each major government department. It summarises our work on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport during 2010-2011.
A report on the BBC’s progress to date in delivering efficiency savings required by the BBC Trust following the 2007 licence fee settlement.
The Olympic Delivery Authority remains on course to deliver its work on the Olympic Park successfully. But almost all of the Public Sector Funding Package is likely to be required, with little scope for unforeseen costs to emerge in the eight months left.
The Comptroller and Auditor General has qualified his audit opinion on the Arts Council England’s 2010-11 Grant-in-Aid financial statements and the Lottery financial statements.
The BBC has reduced its spending on support functions but in future it should plan for cuts by clearly defining the level of service it requires and what that should cost.
Review of a sample of the data systems underpinning the input and impact indicators in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Business Plan, Common Areas of Spend and wider management information.
The BBC demonstrates sound financial management but must align its spending decisions more closely with its strategic priorities.
The NAO has underlined the success of the 2012 Games and stressed the importance of building on that success to deliver legacy benefits.
