22 The use of private finance has brought useful disciplines and a framework of support which are applicable to other forms of procurement. Our recent reports on PFI and other major projects have, however, highlighted that Government needs to act as a more intelligent customer in the procurement and management of projects. Value for money will be improved through officials being proactive in: collecting data to inform decision-making; ensuring they have the right skills; establishing effective arrangements to test, challenge and, if necessary, stop projects; and using commercial awareness to obtain better deals. In the current climate, PFI may not be suitable for as many projects as it has been in the past. The lessons from PFI can, however, be applied to improve other forms of procurement to help Government achieve its aim of annual infrastructure savings of £2-3 billion.15
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15 See http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/iuk_cost_review_index.htm