The Central Berkshire Waste project is a success story in terms of collaboration, overcoming challenges and the ability to adapt to changes. This private finance initiative (or PFI, as it is referred to in the UK) is a PPP for waste handling, treatment, transfer and disposal services which was conceived as part of a partnership between the Reading Borough, Bracknell Forest, and Wokingham District Councils. Since the date of financial close, it has lived through turbulent economic and political times, and it is currently operating in an environment that is very different from the time in which it was conceived.
The key event in this project is a difference of interpretation over revenue calculations. The parties had gone through different resolution processes, and the possibility of escalating the disagreement to the UK High Court was considered. However, both parties committed to reaching a negotiated settlement, and in finding a solution they demonstrated the effectiveness of clear communication and collaboration.