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PFI projects wasting

billions, says UNISON

Using private firms to build and run schools and hospitals in Scotland is wasting billions of pounds, says UNISON.The union today revealed two key figures from the largest ever study of official PFI documents, looking at the 'value for money' claims used to justify building new schools and hospitals with private funding.These show that the controversial private finance initiative and other forms of public-private partnerships could be costing Scottish taxpayers around £2.1 billion more than conventional funding.UNISON Scottish organiser Dave Watson said the extra cost was supposedly justified by claiming that £3.5 billion of risk has been transferred to the private sector. But ultimately the risk is borne by the taxpayer, as shown by the recent collapse of London Underground contractor Metronet."Our research published today confirms from the official figures that the scandal that is PFI is costing taxpayers in Scotland billions of pounds more than public sector funding," Mr Watson said."Documents show that funding new schools and hospitals the conventional way could cost around £2.1 billion less. They also show that £3.5 billion has been added to the taxpayers' bill, to massage the figures in favour of private funding."These are just two figures from the range of ways in which private companies are profiteering at the expense of school children, hospital patients and taxpayers. Other factors include refinancing, high rates of return, the higher cost of private financing, land sales and the PFI private equity market."Mr Watson said UNISON disputed the calculations used to justify PFI and PPP schemes, and called for all the figures to be provided for public scrutiny.The report At What Cost also lists immediate steps the Scottish government could take to prevent further billions being wasted. Mr Watson added: "We want to see all existing contracts reviewed and no new PPP contracts approved. Scottish government grants should be made available for all new capital projects on a proper level playing field basis, regardless of the method of procurement." Download UNISON's report here:
At What Cost? [PDF]