Whereas:

(A)  The Authority is a local social services authority with duties and powers to provide accommodation, for and promote the welfare of, [older people/people with disabilities] under [the National Assistance Act 1948 and the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968].

(B)  The United Kingdom Government desires to have the private sector invest and participate in the provision, [refurbishment,] servicing and maintenance of [and the [provision of care services at]] social services facilities pursuant to the PFI.

(C)  In accordance with the United Kingdom Government's Private Finance Initiative by an advertisement dated [  ] and referenced [  ] in the Official Journal of the European Union the Authority, the Authority sought proposals for the provision of social services facilities and their subsequent operation and maintenance and the provision of related services at such facilities.

(D)  Following a selection process and subsequent negotiations, the Authority has selected the Service Provider and the Service Provider has agreed to carry out the Works and provide the Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(E)  The parties intend that this Agreement be a certified contract for the purposes of the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997.

(F)  The Authority is a Best Value Authority under the Local Government Act 1999 and the functions in respect of which the Authority wishes to procure the Services are Best Value functions.

Now it is hereby agreed as follows: