On behalf of John Laing plc, it is my pleasure to respond to your call for evidence to support the Economic Affairs Committee's enquiry: "Private Finance Projects and off-balance sheet debt".
John Laing is a specialist owner, operator and manager of public sector assets in the UK and internationally. Our reputation is the product of our success in delivering 67 privately-financed infrastructure schemes for the public sector, ranging from the award-winning MoD HQ in London's Whitehall, to the ground-breaking Croydon Urban Regeneration Vehicle, as well as hospital, school and major road projects in the UK, Europe and North America. Our project development and management skills draw on our long heritage in infrastructure-the group was established over 160 years ago, and until 2001 was a leading international construction contractor.
Our response to your call for evidence is attached. In summary, we strongly believe that the use of private finance in publicly procured infrastructure, whether through PFI or other forms of PPP, has delivered (and can continue to do so) substantial benefits to governments. It is not, of course, a one-size-fits-all solution, and improvements could be made in how it is used, but used appropriately, it can make a valuable contribution to supporting public sector infrastructure investment.
We would be happy to supplement the attached written evidence if the Committee so requests.
Chief Executive
25 September 2009