Outside London

 "We welcome the NAO’s report and its conclusion that we have achieved good progress." Thus BBC Executive sponsor of the Across The UK programme, Rhodri Talfan Davies, on the latest external audit of spending more licence fees outside London, to improve regional audiences perceptions of Auntie. 

Those who read further may find that 'good progress' with ATUK is not the only conclusion. Here are some bits.... 

"...When compared with NAO-identified good practice, the BBC’s October 2021 business case was underdeveloped. For instance, there was no appraisal of different options for meeting the programme objectives nor an assessment of local labour market skills to deliver ATUK..."

"Programme announced before the business case developed or approved; Limited opportunity for senior management input"

"Audio: Expenditure in the nations and regions is at the same level as it was in March 2020"

"The BBC is behind on its ATUK targets for recruiting apprentices."

"The BBC does not yet have a fully developed evaluation plan to assess its progress with implementing ATUK and to capture the intended benefits"