3.14 Reviewing specifications may result in adjustments to service levels that more closely meet the public sector's current objectives and users' needs. If such changes are significant and evaluated in cost and vfm terms, then such "re-balancing" of the contract will help the Authority obtain maximum value from benchmarking and market testing exercises.
3.15 If the authority has a requirement for more fundamental changes in scope, then the public sector body should take legal advice in respect of progressing a variation in accord with the contract. This like benchmarking and market testing requirements should be undertaken in an open and transparent manner with a qualitative and quantitative VfM outcome.
3.16 For a full reassessment of soft services requirements, the Authority should allow sufficient time at an early stage in the project plan to review the specification thoroughly and to agree any changes with the PPP contractor before the benchmarking or market testing exercise begins. This is likely to add 2-3 months to the process.