6 Our 2003 report found that around three quarters of PFI projects had delivered to contracted timetable and contracted price. The large majority of PFI projects completed between 2003 and 2008 and responding to our survey were still being delivered on or close to contracted timetable, though prices, for a range of reasons, were more likely to have increased than in the 2003 survey. Sixty nine per cent of PFI projects reported delivering to the contracted timetable in 2008 (not a statistically different change compared with the 2003 results) and 65 per cent to contracted price.
7 Public sector project teams reported that a combination of actions, rather than one single measure, had assisted project teams to deliver good performance to time. Factors contributing to good performance to time included the nature of the PFI contract with its emphasis on clear output specifications and deferment of payment until completion; and good project management such as clear communications between partners to the contract. Where timetables had slipped, the financial difficulties experienced by Jarvis plc was one factor, though a range of project management issues, the majority of which were at the private sector's risk, were also responsible. Nearly half (43 per cent) of delayed projects also incurred price increases.