The objective of the study was to examine value for money issues of this high profile PFI deal to transfer the ownership and management of the C&E and IR estates to the private sector. We used an issue analysis approach to design the scope of the examination and the nature of the evidence required. For this methodology, we set a series of high level audit questions that we considered necessary for assessing whether or not the deal had been value for money. These questions were:
■ Were the project objectives clear?
■ Did they apply the proper processes?
■ Was the best available deal selected?
■ Will the contract ensure delivery of the service over the contract life?
■ Is the deal delivering the expected benefits?
■ Are changes to the deal being well managed?