Partnerships:

•  users rate services more highly than the local authority;

•  partnerships are working;

•  service providers are delivering services on time, to budget and within the specification;

•  service providers feel that they are contributing to the delivery of local services;

•  there was a feeling that there had been a smoother implementation than with traditional procurement;

•  different local authorities had different experiences;

•  many local authorities had underestimated the scope and costs of contract management; and

•  long term issues should be taken into account during the procurement stage.