🚨 Big News from Cardiff! 🚨
A new report just dropped, shining light on the decisions behind the creation of the Velindre Cancer Centre, and boy, is it a hefty price tag! Initially pegged at £562 million, the project’s cost has ballooned to a whopping £1.6 billion over 25 years. That’s a lot of zeroes! 💷💷
So, what’s going on? Audit Wales, who keep a close eye on public spending, have been snooping around. They found that the project’s costs have surged amid delays. The grand opening has been pushed to 2027 instead of the original 2024. 🏥⏳
Local folks have had mixed feelings, considering the green spaces affected by the construction work. But the Velindre University NHS Trust says it’s all about better outcomes for patients with cutting-edge treatments and enhanced diagnostics. 🌼🌳
Now, here’s the clever bit: The Welsh Government is using a fancy finance trick called the ‘mutual investment model’ to pull this off. It lets the private sector foot the upfront bill, with taxpayers chipping in annually. 🤝💡
The report reassures us that despite the eye-watering costs, decisions have been properly scrutinised and are on a sound basis. However, only time will tell if it all equals good value and if those checks stand up in the years to come. 🧐📊
What’s your take on this spend for the new cancer centre? Is it a necessary investment in our health future or a mega money pit? Let us know in the comments! 💬🔍
Catch you later with more updates on this and everything else happening around South East Wales! 👀✨