The British government is expected to pass its first Olympic budget under close scrutiny after the resignation of key engineer Jack Lemley from the Olympic Delivery Authority in mid-October.

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Lemley said he resigned as chairman of the ODA, the body responsible for building the venues and infrastructure for the games, because of political infighting and construction projects appearing likely to come in late and cost more than expected.

Lemley claimed Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell knew of the potential 1 billion pounds (1.48 billion euro) additional tax bill that could affect the games, months before she confirmed it in an address to a parliamentary committee on Nov. 21.

The final budget hasn't been formulated yet, but some British lawmakers have speculated the total cost could reach more than 8 billion pounds (11.8 billion euro).

Coe and McNulty said 2006 had been a year of great progress and left the organizations in great shape for next year.

Organizers will begin to clear the 202-hectare (500-acre) Olympic Park site in Stratford, East London, install utilities and develop more detailed venue plans.

The first demolition work began this month and work on putting powerlines underground began in April.