COMMONWEALTH Games organisers have today hit back over fears about the final bill for the £563million sport event.

Organisers said they are confident the 2014 Games, which run from July 23 to August 3, will stay within budget.

Glasgow 2014 confirmed to the Evening Times that £37.5m of "contingency cash" is left and organisers said spending for the event is on schedule.

However, Commonwealth Games have a history of cost over-runs, with the budget for Manchester 2002 rising by 120% and Delhi 2010 by 280%.

The budget includes two back-up funds: the general contingency for use in case of cost pressures, and an emergency pot called the Scottish Government special reserve, only to be used in exceptional circumstances with the First Minister's personal approval. This remains untouched.

Around £100m of the £563m bill for Games is to be met from commercial income, including sponsorship, marketing and ticket sales.

The rest is split 80/20 between the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

A Glasgow 2014 spokeswoman said: "A total contingency of almost £37.5m remains (£13.5m general contingency and £24m Scottish Government special reserve).

"Our Games Partners remain confident that these funds are sufficient to accommodate further planned expenditure as well as deal with any remaining risks or issues which may emerge."

Meanwhile, volunteers taking part in this year's Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies will benefit from a £200,000 funding package to cover expenses such as childcare and travel.