§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what monitoring is undertaken of Private Finance Initiative contracts for(a) schools, (b) further education colleges and (c) higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement. [129203]
§ Mr. WicksResponsibility for monitoring PH projects lies with the relevant procuring body. For schools, monitoring is the responsibility of local education authorities or other procuring bodies. The Department informs the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions about services and payments arising from new projects, so that the overall level of revenue commitments can be monitored.
The Further Education Funding Council supports colleges in developing projects and monitors educational achievement, financial returns and the efficient use of property. The Higher Education Funding Council for England monitors progress by requiring higher education institutions to submit progress reports on PFI contracts as part of their annual financial forecasts.
The Department works closely with LEAs and the Funding Councils to ensure that procedures are in place to monitor progress and value for money effectively.