2.38 Sculpting of the unitary charge is defined as the specific tailoring of the unitary charge level to reflect increases in lifecycle maintenance or specific costs to be incurred by the PPP Contractor, at various discrete times throughout the concession. It will therefore result in a unitary charge profile with peaks and troughs. The research indicated that in practice this is not a common approach. If a Procuring Authority wishes to adopt this approach, they must carefully consider the value for money and cash flow implications of it and be able to demonstrate value for money and affordability within the Full Business Case. Specific advice should be provided by the Procuring Authority's advisers regarding the merits of any such sculpting.
2.39 Authorities should ensure that any sculpting of the unitary charge will not contravene the requirements of the Scottish Government's Capital Contribution Guidance. This can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance.
2.40 A Procuring Authority may require that services are introduced on a phased basis. The implications of this must be carefully considered. It is likely that the approaches adopted in these circumstances will either be to:
o phase in the unitary charge on the basis of the capital value of the services being delivered; or
o phase in the unitary charge based on the weighting of the services to be provided. This may be appropriate where the deductions are calculated on the basis of the weighted areas.
2.41 Specific advice should be sought from the Procuring Authority's advisers as to which option provides the most appropriate approach for a specific project. As a minimum an Authority must ensure that it is not prepaying for other non-available services through the mechanism adopted for phasing in the unitary charge.