Games beat the budget, says minister

THE cost of the London 2012 Olympic Games has come in at £377 million under budget, according to Government figures.

The overall cost of the Games – which saw Britain scoop 65 medals, including gold for Jessica Ennis (above) – is forecast to be £8,921 billion from a budget of £9,298 billion.

With some contracts still to be settled, ministers are calling the underspend a “prudent” estimate.

Sports minister Hugh Robertson said: “The work of the construction and delivery teams has set a very high standard and I have no doubt that London 2012 has set a new benchmark for the management of Olympic and Paralympic Games in future.”

Talks are still ongoing between the London 2012 organisers and G4S to get the security firm to pay back money for the cock-up over its failure to provide enough security guards for the Games.

Robertson said: “The £377 million figure is conservative.”