Incomplete Public Project Cost-Benefit Analysis

4 items 2 sources

Omission of significant costs (e.g., customer costs) from cost-benefit analyses for major public projects.

Incomplete Public Project Cost-Benefit Analysis has been flagged across 2 independent accountability sources:

2 inquiry recs 2 PFD reports

This issue has been identified by multiple independent accountability bodies, suggesting it is a recurring systemic concern.

Recommendation: The Department of Transport and BRB shall make a thorough study of appraisal procedure for safety elements of investment proposals so that the cost-effectiveness of safe operation of the railway occupies its proper place in a business-led operation.

Recommendation: Any Minister presenting the Assembly with legislation for approval should sufficiently read and familiarise themselves with that legislation and ensure an adequate evidence base is publicly available to demonstrate that the benefits justify any attendant costs.

Gov response: [Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 5-7, 25, 37, 39-43 together as a group under the 'Ministers and Special Advisers' theme.] NI Executive Response (October 2021): These recommendations can be accepted in full, with …

Concerns: Peabody Housing Association failed to address an unsafe canal barrier, demonstrating a lack of boundary knowledge, neglected risk assessments, ignored resident complaints, and inaction on known safety hazards.

Concerns: Transport for London displayed an inordinate delay in implementing pedestrian crossings at a dangerous junction, using flawed decision-making based on incomplete accident statistics that omitted overall incidents and near misses.