3.31 Figure 34 gives examples where relationships had worsened since the letting of the PFI contract and how they could be improved. The evidence suggests that relationships have worsened where the spirit of partnership has not been carried through, and one of the parties to the contract believes that the other is interested in pursuing only their own objectives. Authorities and contractors reported that their hopes and expectations at the time of letting the contract were often not fully realised as they came up against various challenges in the early years of the contract. Collaborative working and a flexible approach to dealing with contractual issues were often absent in those projects where relationships had worsened since contract letting.
3.32 By comparison, relationships have improved where both parties to the contract have understood what is required of them, have understood each other's objectives, have taken a collaborative approach to the resolution of problems, trusted each other and worked to a common goal (Figure 35).