Glasgow 2014 cost £37m less than expected

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow cost the taxpayer £37m less than expected, according to a report by the Accounts Commission.

While £461.7m public funding had been budgeted, only £424.5 was spent.

Income from 1.2m tickets and sponsorship meant the final spend was £543m, compared to the anticipated cost of £575m, said the spending watchdog. The Organising Committee and Police Scotland had good financial control over their budgets, it found.

Accounts Commission chairman Douglas Sinclair said the positive report was down to “strong controls and good planning” by a successful partnership of business and government.

"The partner organisations and businesses worked very well together to make the Games a great success. As this is a really strong example of successful partnership working it's really important for learning from this project to be shared within the public sector, to help future work," he said.

Auditor General Caroline Gardner said: "Working to ensure a legacy has been part and parcel of planning for the Games, and we've seen a good start on this. With ongoing pressures in public sector budgets it is all the more important for the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to ensure the planned legacy benefits are achieved.

Legacy projects continue to receive funding, with Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health Jamie Hepburn today expected to announce £600,000 for Clyde Gateway, which supports community outreach work in Glasgow’s east end and South Lanarkshire. “People were key to the success of the Games and this funding will deliver a range of community and employment activities in the area to help people access new economic opportunities, get active and gain confidence.”