2.39 The Authority has not yet met its commitment to publish project information in line with government's transparency agenda. The Authority cannot deliver this objective on its own. Senior level discussions are ongoing, between Cabinet Office, HM Treasury and departments, on the arrangements for public reporting.
2.40 Our 2010 report16 recommended that government should decide how to publicly report project status. We consider that publicly reporting project information will provide greater accountability for projects and help to improve project outcomes. Regular transparent reporting of performance which highlights successes and non-compliance would also help to build an enduring assurance system.
2.41 There has been some support for greater transparency from departments who believe that tracking and publishing major milestones could create helpful tension in the system. However, concerns have been raised that increased transparency could limit the value of assurance, as it could inhibit assurance reviewers and project staff holding full and frank discussions. Some senior project staff also have concerns that public reporting could have a negative commercial impact, and would prefer delayed rather than real-time public reporting.
2.42 As well as the objective to publish project information, the Authority has not yet met its objective to publish an annual report on government's major projects. The Authority initially expected to publish an annual report in December 2011 but is now expecting the report to be published in May or June 2012. The format of the annual report, and the information it will contain, has yet to be decided.
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16 National Audit Office, Assurance for high risk projects, June 2010.