HM Treasury News Release
132/97                                       4 November 1997
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   PARTNERSHIPS FOR PROSPERITY - A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR THE PFI

An introductory guide to the reinvigorated Private Finance
Initiative (PFI)  Partnerships for Prosperity' was launched today
by Paymaster General Geoffrey Robinson. 

The launch of  Partnerships for Prosperity', timed to coincide
with progress in meeting further recommendations contained in the
Bates review, sets out clearly in one document, the Government's
support for PFI, the role of the new Treasury Private Finance
Taskforce, fundamental PFI policy principles, the procurement
process,  a list of key contacts and further reference areas.

Chancellor Gordon Brown said in his foreword

     "This document provides a useful starting point for anyone
     interested in finding out about the PFI.  Avoiding too much
     technical detail, it sets out the general principles and
     places the initiative within the wider context of
     Government policy towards encouraging successful
     partnerships."

The Paymaster also announced progress by the Taskforce on those
Bates review recommendations with October deadlines.

     -    the Taskforce is publishing draft proposals for
          standardising the basic information sought from
          prospective PFI tenderers.  Consistency across
          Government will simplify procedures and reduce burdens
          on business;

     -    it is also consulting on standard wording for
          advertising PFI projects in the Official Journal of
          the European Community;

     -    the Taskforce called for assistance in establishing
          template contracts and model contract clauses in the
          main sectors of PFI business.
     
"Partnerships for Prosperity" and the model contracts being
worked on by departments will be stored in a new PFI library
housed in the Treasury.  The practical arrangements for the
library, including the indexing system, are being worked on by
the Taskforce in consultation with Departments, its most regular
customers.




Notes for Editors

Media Copies of "Partnerships for Prosperity" are available from
the Treasury on 0171 270 5644, non-media copies are available
from the  Public Enquiry Unit on 0171 270 4860  or  from the
Private Finance Taskforce direct on (0171 270 4841 or 0171 270
5518) and will be accessible via the Taskforce website page
http://www.treasury-projects-taskforce.gov.uk.
Supporting documentation on other Bates recommendations where the
Taskforce is seeking comments from PFI practitioners is available
from the same sources.