Public Sector Comparator (PSC) and Value for Money (VfM)

Only the projects in two countries had been the object of a formalised PSC process, although a third had used an ad hoc system. The Bank did not normally review the PSC, although the assumed cost and benefit figures were often used for the Economic Return (EIRR) calculation. However PJ economists said that they would encourage the Promoter to make use of a PSC in its own review of alternatives. The Bank did not normally consider whether a particular PPP structure offered VfM compared to other possible structures. The exception to this was a motorway project, in which PJ carried out a VfM exercise which showed that, in economic terms, the chosen structure was not the best option. It is also notable that a PSC was not used for one country's motorway programme, and a subsequent review by the national audit office pointed out that the programme had not been preceded by an assessment of VfM.