What Topics Should be Covered in a Public Private Partnership Policy?

The scope and content of a formal policy on public private partnership will vary from one local government to another. It is conceivable that some local governments may adopt policies that do not promote public private partnerships as an option for service delivery. Others may embrace the concept enthusiastically. If a local government is considering service delivery through public private partnerships, it should consider:

• the types of services or projects for which it will consider public private partnership

• the forms of public private partnership it will consider

• the degree of risk it is prepared to accept as well as how it intends to manage the risk

• risks it is not prepared to accept under any circumstances

• its criteria for determining whether public private partnerships are a viable method of service delivery

• its position on conflict of interest for those involved in public private partnerships

• its policy on the involvement of stakeholders throughout the process consistent with legislation, as well as on fundamental principles such as transparency, accountability and inclusiveness

• how its other policies will impact on the involvement in public private partnerships, including labour, staff, finance, etc.

• the types of partners that are eligible to become involved in public private partnerships with the local government