1. The briefing note dated 18 October 2005 from the Centre for International Public Health Policy (CIPHP) on the National Audit Office Report "Innovation in the NHS: Local Improvement Finance Trusts" criticises the methodology used by the National Audit Office. The note suggests that the methodology used is based on surveys of stakeholders with a vested interest in LIFT and that, other than these interviews, there is no evaluation of value for money or the factors that underpin it. The note says the National Audit Office Report marks a new phase in a shift away from quantitative towards qualitative analysis. The note also says that potential delivery problems arising from new governance structures are identified in the Report but not evaluated.
2. The National Audit Office has considered these points carefully and responds to the methodological issues made below. This note provides clarification on appropriate elements of the National Audit Office's fieldwork. It also refers to the results of further analysis carried out as a result of the hearing of the Committee of Public Accounts on 17 October 2005.