The National Audit Office (NAO) recently published a report titled “Lessons learned: a planning and spending framework that enables long-term value for money,” placing a strong emphasis on the need for a transformative shift in government spending practices to ensure enduring benefits. Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association for Project Management (APM), offered his insights in response to the report, underscoring the critical nature of projects funded by taxpayers delivering measurable and lasting impacts.
Baldwin pointed out a prevalent issue in public spending where justifications often fail to adequately encompass long-term benefits and are hampered by delays in realizing these impacts. He advocated for a benefits-led project approach, which seeks to refine the accuracy and effectiveness of project outcomes on society. This methodology emphasizes clear, measurable benefits as a primary objective, aiming to achieve not only fiscal responsibility but also enhanced societal value. Baldwin’s stance is that such a focus would ensure public funds are utilized in a manner that provides enduring improvements for the community.
Furthermore, Baldwin stressed the importance of the upcoming National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), which he believes should be well-equipped and given a clear mandate to elevate the standards of project management within the government. By doing so, he envisions NISTA playing a pivotal role in guaranteeing that project benefits and value for money receive the necessary long-term priority. This strategic shift is deemed essential for optimizing the effectiveness of public expenditure, especially in the face of increasing scrutiny over value and environmental impact. The overarching goal is to create a culture within government spending that is aligned with long-term societal and environmental benefits, ensuring that public investments are both responsible and impactful.
