It looks like High-Point Rendel might just need that Undercliff Drive contract, if Scarborough Council are successful in their pursuit to reclaim the overspend that High-Point Rendel received.
For those not aware of the history, High-Point Rendel was appointed as consultants for a sea defences scheme in Scarborough a few years ago. There was much controversy surrounding their appointment and after investigation, the District Auditor deemed it to be illegal.
Sound familiar?
It should do, because it appears that something very similar has happened here on the Isle of Wight in connection with the Undercliff Drive Scheme.
We still have several senior officers still suspended (ON FULL PAY) waiting to hear how they will be disciplined (we also wait with baited breath to hear how they will be disciplined) over the illegal procurement of HPR as consultants on the Undercliff Drive Scheme.
After the original figures for the sea defences in Scarborough rose from £28m to £51.9m, DEFRA have stepped in and decided to financially back Scarborough Council to sue High-Point Rendel and reclaim some of overspend. The District Auditor stated that had HPR carried out more detailed surveys, they would’ve been able to provide a more reliable forecast of the bill. [Thanks to Barbara for sending through the link – Via]
