16 The Department has developed significant expertise in how to support Trusts' management of their contracts within its Private Finance Unit. The Unit was set up to manage the programme of new PFI contracts. It provides valuable support through:
• a quarterly forum for contract managers;
• guidance on good practice; and
• providing advice to Trusts with issues.
17 The Private Finance Unit's ability to further support Trusts to manage their contracts is, however, limited by a lack of performance and cost data. The Department cannot require Foundations to provide them with data on the performance of PFI projects, or to direct them to engage with the support it offers. Whilst it retains more control over other Trusts, it does not require them to provide any data on their PFI schemes. This means that:
• there is a lack of central data on the performance of the PFI portfolio. This restricts the Department's ability to assess value for money and to target its resources towards assisting Trusts most in need of help;
• although the Department spreads good practice amongst Trusts that engage with it, it does not systematically set out to assess, collate and define good practice; and
• the Department does not use its leverage over the market from having 76 contracts in force. With more information on Trusts' projects the Department could use this leverage to update contracts on common issues, or facilitate performance and efficiency improvements.