PFI in schools

The Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, to achieve high-quality local and national services for the public. Our work covers local government, health and criminal justice services.

As an independent watchdog, we provide important information on the quality of public services. As a driving force for improvement in those services, we provide practical recommendations and spread best practice. As an independent auditor, we monitor spending to ensure public services are good value for money.

For further information on the work of the Commission please contact:
Sir Andrew Foster, Audit Commission, 1 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PN Tel: 020 7828 1212

Further information on context, methodology and findings, and good practice checklists are available on the Commission's website at: www.audit-commission.gov.uk

© Audit Commission 2003

First published in January 2003 by the Audit Commission for local authorities and the National Health Service in England & Wales, 1 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PN Printed in the UK for the Audit Commission by Belmont Press, Northampton.

ISBN 186240 412 7

Photographs: www.third-avenue.co.uk (cover), Stock Image/Imagestate (p3), Andy Sacks/Stone (p10), Yellow Dog Productions/Imagebank (p26), Steve Lewis/Imagebank (p33), Nick Clements/Taxi (p38).