Exposing Private Financing in Scotland

PFIs are a form of “public–private partnerships” (PPPs) where private firms are contracted to complete and manage public projects. Later this year we will publish our report on PFIs, exposing the devstating effect of the use of PFIs in Scotland. PFIs have created enormous debt for already cash-strapped local Scottish councils. A UK National Audit Office report found that in some cases PPP projects cost around 40% more than projects financed by government borrowing. Addiewell prison cost the public 12 times more having been built using a PFI contract. PFI projects are not just expensive, they are also porly made. In Edinburgh 17 schools built used PFI contracts had to be closed following the collapse of a wall in one. It was discovered that all of these schools had been built missing their wall ties – a vital structural component in the building. Scotland is full of examples like these.

 

The Scottish Government have criticised PFI contracts, but failed to take sufficient action to help councils find viable alternatives. A great number of PFIs  still exist and a similar model of financing called a Non-profit Distributing is now used. It is time to end a system where short-term thinking and private greed are draining the public purse.  We are calling on the Scottish Government to end the use of PFIs.

 

Sign this petition today to help make sure that happens:

Dear Member of the Scottish Parliament

PFIs are draining already cash-strapped Scottish councils of their resources and forcing them into long-standing debt. A UK National Audit Report found that in some cases PFI projects cost 40% more than projects financed by government borrowing. This way of funding public services is hugely unpopular in the UK, and a survey found that 76% of Scottish respondents say they should be banned  (Jubilee Debt Campaign, 2017) The Scottish Government has criticised it, yet has failed to take concrete action to end the use of PFI/NPDs in Scotland.

We are calling on you, our MSPs, to end the use of PFIs and NPDs in Scotland so that councils will improve their financial abilities and taxpayers enjoy the best possible services in their local communities. We cannot afford another situation like the Oxgang School collapse. We need immediate policy-changes to find viable alternatives to PFIs for Scotland.

Please stand with us in changing how we manage our councils’ and country’s resources to create the best possible future for Scotland.