Democratic accountability is very limited for three key reasons. Firstly, the imposition of 'commercial confidentiality' extends from planning, procurement to monitoring contract performance, which severely limits transparency. Secondly, PFI/PPP deals are very complex, so very few officials and elected members have anything more than a basic understanding, let alone of the contractual conditions. Thirdly, the participation of staff, trade unions, service users, community organisations and citizens is at best minimal.