Public 'confused on 2012 budget'

Plans for the main stadium after 2012 are yet to be finalised

There is "confusion" among the public about the rising costs of the 2012 London Olympics, the head of the International Olympic Committee says.

Jacques Rogge said there was confusion "between the operational budget and the infrastructure budget" which would redevelop swathes of east London.

The total budget for the Games is set at £9.3bn, which the National Audit Office has warned could rise.

But the cost of the event was set at around £1.9bn, said Mr Rogge.

In a report released on Friday, the National Audit Office said organisers still faced "formidable challenges" which could see costs rise.

It highlighted the lack of a deal for construction of the Olympic village in east London, which is expected to cost more than £1bn.

The report also noted that plans for individual venues, including the main stadium, after 2012, are yet to be finalised.

The NAO said there was no "firm basis" for security arrangements and costed plans from the government were not anticipated until the end of the year.

London's recently-elected mayor, Boris Johnson, recently criticised organisers of the 2012 games, saying there was no "legacy masterplan" for the Olympic venues.