15 This report has shown that there is strong evidence that the PFI approach is bringing significant benefits to central government in terms of delivering built assets on time and for the price expected by the public sector. In future projects departments need to weigh the prospect of such benefits in the balance with the other advantages and disadvantages of using the PFI or alternative forms of procurement.
16 As a result of this examination we make the following additional recommendations:
A The OGC should prepare updates of the statistics which have been presented in this report on the extent to which PFI projects are being delivered on time and to the cost expected by the public sector. These are important measures of the private sector's performance in PFI projects. The data are relatively easy to collect and provide a valuable insight into how well projects are being delivered under the PFI.
B Departments should assess the extent to which it is possible to use the lessons of the PFI approach to improve the delivery of projects using other forms of procurement. PFI construction companies are incentivised to perform because the consortium they belong to will not be paid until the required service is being delivered, but there are also other positive features of the PFI approach which could be applied to conventional construction projects. These include clearer statements of requirements before setting timescales and budgets.
C As part of their ongoing relationship aimed at improving the built environment, the OGC and CABE should publicise good examples of design and construction in PFI projects, in conjunction with departments and the private sector. Making examples of good practice available within both the public and private sectors will help to stimulate further innovation in future PFI projects.
D Departments should carry out user surveys as part of their post-contract evaluation of PFI projects. User surveys are a valuable way for a department to gather information about how well a built asset is operating. A user survey may identify problems and issues which the department needs to discuss with the consortium. Users' experiences can also be used to inform the development of future projects involving similar assets. In particular, users can make valuable input to the design stage.