GLOSSARY

Enabling Funds

Funds from the Department of Health to launch NHS LIFT, allocated to the lead Primary Care Trusts in localities where LIFT is pursued. Project teams are required to apply for Enabling Funds during the preparation of the Strategic Service Development Plan and prior to procurement. Primary Care Trusts are required to return Enabling Funds following successful completion of their first tranche of schemes, but may apply to recycle them.

Facilitator

Partnerships for Health provides at least one facilitator per LIFT scheme to provide advice and assist with implementation of the standard documentation and the achievement of Financial Close.

Financial Close

Completion of negotiations leading to formal establishment of the LIFTCo.

FundCos

A shell company within the LIFT financing structure holding the debt funding for each individual tranche of LIFT projects.

Lease Plus Agreement

Developed by Partnerships for Health to govern occupation of LIFT premises, this standard document is similar to a conventional lease, but responsibility for maintenance, repair and insurance of premises rests with the LIFTCo throughout the term. It is intended to be used substantially un-amended, with minor amendments to customise it to reflect particulars of individual schemes.

Local Health Economy

The NHS organisations, including GPs, voluntary and independent sector bodies involved in commissioning, development and provision of health services for particular population groups.

Local Improvement Finance Trust Company

(LIFTCo) Local Joint Venture Company limited by shares held by private sector partner, local health and social care stakeholder, and Partnerships for Health and governed by a 20 year partnership agreement to deliver investment and services in local primary care facilities.

NHS Plan

Initiated in 2000 by the Department of Health, this is a ten-year strategy for investment and reform in the NHS.

Partnerships for Health

A National Joint Venture formed by Partnerships UK and the Department of Health to implement NHS LIFT. Partnerships for Health also invest 20% equity in each LIFTCo.

Partnerships UK

Established by the Treasury as a successor to the Treasury taskforce, Partnerships UK is itself a PPP and works in partnership with the Public Sector to develop PPP projects.

Project Director

Usually employed by the lead Primary Care Trust involved in the LIFT scheme, the Project Director manages the procurement process and set-up of LIFTCo.

Primary Care Trust

There are 302 Primary Care Trusts in England, established in 2002. They are local organisations, receiving 75 per cent of the NHS budget, with responsibility for managing local primary care services - the care provided when you first have a health problem.

Private Sector Partner

In most cases a consortium of private sector entities which invest the major shareholding of 60 per cent in, and deliver services to, the LIFT Co.

Private Finance Initiative

A policy introduced by the Government in 1992 to harness private sector management and expertise in the delivery of public services, while reducing the impact of public borrowing.

Residual Value

The expected value of an asset at the end of a specified period.

Shareholders Agreement

Standard document developed by Partnerships for Health establishing the shareholding agreement between Partnerships for Health, the LIFTCo, the Private Sector Partner, the Primary Care trust and other public sector shareholders.

Strategic Health Authority

England is split into 28 Strategic Health Authorities. These organisations were set up in 2002 to develop plans for improving health services in their local area and to make sure their local NHS organisations are performing well. Each Strategic Health Authority is responsible for several Primary Care Trusts in its area.

Strategic Partnering Agreement

Standard document developed by Partnerships for Health, this 20-year agreement establishes the long-term strategic partnering between LIFTCo and the participants (Primary Care Trusts, NHS Trust and Local Authority) relating to the delivery of improved health and care services in the area. Management of the partnership requires the establishment of a Strategic Partnering Board.

Strategic Partnering Board

Established by the stakeholders in a local health and social care community, the Board is responsible for monitoring the performance and identifying the future direction of the LIFTCo.

Strategic Service Development Plan

Each Strategic Partnering Board is responsible for the annual review and approval of this document which forms the basis of the LIFT strategy for primary and community based health services.

Third Party Development

Development of new premises undertaken by a private contractor on behalf of a Primary Care Trust or GPs.

Tranche

A bundle of several projects commissioned and built by the LIFTCo within one financing package.

Whole Life Costs

The costs incurred over the lifetime of an asset taking into consideration initial capital costs and future costs including operational, maintenance and disposal costs.