[holding answer 1 June 2009]: The Government Olympic Executive's (GOE) expenditure on consultancy costs for the financial years since 2005-06 is:
£000 2005-06 666 2006-07 721 2007-08 432 2008-091 331 1 Provisional outturn.
These figures include expenditure by the GOE's predecessor, the Olympic Games Unit. All figures include VAT (where appropriate).
GOE is the only organisation overseeing the entire Olympic project, integrating the work of multiple delivery bodies, and ensuring the Games is delivered within the £9.3 billion public sector funding provision. GOE's purchase of consultancy services is a planned response to the need to deliver the Government's commitments and guarantees. The consultants have provided valuable short-term support, skills and expertise which has enabled GOE to, among other things:
identify how the Games will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the East End with investment in Stratford and the Lower Lea Valley, building on the investment in neighbourhood renewal already being delivered by the Government, Mayor of London and the host boroughs themselves;
develop and publish a clear Legacy Action Plan;
develop and implement the most effective governance structures and organisations, such as the Olympic Park Legacy Company, to ensure that physical and sporting legacy is delivered;
implement more effective and economic operational structures to support the Olympic Board, and ensure that the necessary assurance process are in place;
develop the essential cross-cutting work-streams to ensure that all elements of the programme are properly integrated so avoiding duplication of effort, late and costly changes to the design and construction of facilities and services; and
undertake essential tracking research on public attitudes to the Olympics which has informed the legacy ambitions; added to our understanding of people's priorities around London 2012 and shown us how people are becoming involved in the numerous opportunities for London and the UK.