A former chair of the London Transit Commission (LTC) has sharply criticized a recent audit that cost taxpayers $133,000, describing it as an 'expensive I told you so.' The review, conducted by an external consultant, concluded that only minor changes in governance were needed at the transit agency.
Ex-Chair Speaks Out
The former LTC chair, who served on the commission for several years, expressed frustration over the expenditure. 'This was a complete waste of money,' they said. 'We could have told you the same thing for free. It's just an expensive I told you so.'
Audit Findings
The consultant's report, obtained through a freedom of information request, recommended several adjustments to LTC's governance structure, including clearer roles for board members and improved communication protocols. However, the report did not identify any major systemic failures or misconduct.
Current LTC officials defended the review, stating that it provided valuable third-party validation and a roadmap for continuous improvement. 'We take all recommendations seriously,' a spokesperson said. 'This review helps us ensure we are operating efficiently and transparently.'
The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of public spending in London, with some city councillors questioning the necessity of high-priced consultants for routine evaluations.
