Delay of tram report blamed on impasse with contractor

The delay of a long-awaited report on the future of the city's tram project has been blamed on the current impasse with contractors.

City leader Jenny Dawe said negotiations with German firm Bilfinger Berger were taking "longer than expected", leading to the delay with the report.

She said: "Unfortunately, without a settlement to the current dispute, it is proving difficult to make forecasts in relation to delivery options and what effect these may have on the capital costs of the project and the business case.

"The negotiations are taking longer than expected. It is imperative that we get a satisfactory outcome and so the report has been postponed for one month to help achieve this.

"If further time is required, in order to get the best deal for the city, then we may have to wait longer. The infrastructure consortium has presented their proposal to TIE, who have made a counter offer, with both sides working towards a resolution."