What are the common elements found in most PPPs?

[An introductory guide to Public-Private Partnerships

Hong Kong Government Efficiency Unit, 2008]

1.  The government has identified a value for money benefit for the specific project

2.  The government retains political responsibility/accountability to secure services for the community

3.  The government defines the timeframe in which the services must be delivered; and the quality and quantity of services needed

4.  The private sector delivers the services and finances or part finances the project

5.  A long-term relationship is established between the client department and the consortium typically between 10 and 30 years, depending on the nature of the services, assets or facilities to be delivered

6.  The different functions of design, construction, maintenance and operation are integrated to release the synergies between them and discourage low-capital/high-operating expenditure solutions

7.  Risks are allocated and shared between the public and private sectors

8.  There is an emphasis on output and outcome-based specifications

9.  A whole life approach to cost is taken.