NHS: Private Finance Initiative Costs

Baroness Jolly Excerpts

Wednesday 11th July 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the Treasury has been very helpful in advising my department on the kinds of flexibility that we may have in these difficult situations. It has also been helpful in refining the current PFI model so that, as and when we use PFI again, we have a tighter structure which strikes a better balance between risk and reward to the private sector.

[Baroness Jolly]

My Lords, many community health schemes were funded using the LIFT programme. What is the Government’s view of their affordability now?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, LIFT is one tool that we have in financing capital schemes in the community, many of which have been successful. Such schemes promote integrated services, which I know my noble friend will welcome. All LIFT schemes have been and will be assessed for affordability and value for money. It is not a universal prescription by any means, but we look constructively at LIFT as one way of delivering capital schemes.