Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Outlook: Private finance

Thursday 12 November 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THIS IS a Government mighty keen on policy reviews, so it was only a matter of time before a minister ordered a re-review of a review. Sir Malcolm Bates, chairman of Pearl Group, has been asked by Geoffrey Robinson, the Paymaster General, to revisit his original review of the private finance initiative to see how the PFI might be further improved.

This was perhaps inevitable. Last week the Chancellor announced an pounds 11bn target for PFI projects over the next three years. If the Government is to meet its public spending plans, the PFI is going to have to start delivering.

Unfortunately, as the Exchequer piles on the pressure for more PFI projects on the one hand, it is undermining their likelihood with the other by giving trade unions the right to vet these things for impact on public sector jobs. Sir Malcolm is going to find this review even more difficult than his last.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in