Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
The IPA maintains a publicly available PFI database, which includes information on each of the...
Conclusion
The IPA maintains a publicly available PFI database, which includes information on each of the 700 contracts, such as the value of the project, annual payments, date the contract was signed and contract length. The database does not, however, include the date each contract will expire.20 The IPA told us that this was something it could look to include in future versions of the public database. The IPA aimed to update the database annually, but noted that it relied on returns provided by each department to create the database. It admitted it was not 100% confident that all PFI contracts were actually reported, especially those owed by local bodies.21 18 Affinitext is an information technology and services company. It uses artificial intelligence technology to allow complex documents such as contracts to be easily read, understood and managed. 19 MPC0003 – Affinitext, para 8.1a 20 Q 12; C&AG’s Report, para 3.4 21 Qq 31–33 12 Managing the expiry of PFI contracts 2 Providing support to authorities
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Ta rget implementation date: Summer 2021 2. 2 The IPA will write to the Committee setting out the emerging themes from all of the PFI contract expiry health checks that have been completed and how the issues raised will be addressed. 2b: PAC recommendation: In addition to this, the IPA should compile a central list of all PFI expiry dates to help authorities prepare for their conclusion. 2. 3 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Ta rget implementation date: Winter 2021 2. 4 Through the annual PFI data collection exercise, the IPA collects data on the date of expiry of PFI contracts. The annual data collection is a significant undertaking and the IPA is reliant on departments providing accurate and comprehensive information.