PPP

Across Scotland, £2.3bn is being invested in school buildings through public-private partnership (PPP).  And what is PPP?  It is any collaboration between public bodies, such as local authorities or central government, and private companies.

PPPs are key ways in which new or improved facilities and services can be delivered. Traditionally, local government has procured facilities and services and the private sector has worked for the public sector. Under partnership arrangements, the two sectors work together. For example, under the traditional route, a private sector contractor would build a new school to the LEA's specification, with associated maintenance and services then being provided by a range of private companies and the LEA. With PPP, one contractor provides the school and then operates a range of specific services such as maintenance, heating and school meals on behalf of the LEA through a longer term contract. This new way of working allows the private sector to contribute its expertise to the process and for both sectors to harness their energies so as to find innovative solutions and secure better value for money.