18. The IPT should have independent lines of communication to the lenders so that it can satisfy itself:
• that key elements of the funding deal meet its requirements; and
• that there are no mixed messages in terms of what the lenders' requirements are.
19. If the IPT has cultivated a relationship with its preferred bidder such that both parties are presenting a united front to the lenders as "co-sponsors" (see paragraph 45 below) then this interface will be less of a concern. However, it is not uncommon for a preferred bidder to use its lender as a kind of umpire on risk allocation/cost issues in which case the IPT needs to have access to the relevant people at the lender in order to test any assertions about "bankability" made by the preferred bidder.