§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) guidance (i) has been given and (ii) is planned from her Department to local authorities and (b) legislation (1) is in place and (2) is planned regarding the environmental implications of developments through the Public Finance Initiative; and if she will make a statement. [65601]
§ Mr. McNultyI have been asked to reply.
Local government PFI projects seeking central government support are required to indicate how they promote sustainable development, by demonstrating an integrated approach to the social. environmental and 942W economic well-being of the area served, now and for future generations. They should also reflect the objectives of any Local Agenda 21 strategy for the area. Advice on enhancing environmental benefits is available in the context of design quality in the OGC guidance "How to achieve Design Quality in PFI Projects" and the 4ps "Achieving Quality in Local Authority PFI Building Projects" and authorities are expected to take account of this. This department plans to issue guidance on 'Green Public Private Partnerships' shortly. No legislation specifically concerning PFI is in place or planned.