06.07.12
The PFI pretence
Despite sustained anger and criticism of PFI schemes, it has emerged that the Coalition Government is continuing to agree new deals on a very widespread basis.
Both Tories and the Lib Dems have denounced Labour for the party’s extensive use of the schemes whilst in office. Osborne even pledged that the Conservatives would not use PFI.
Yet here we are, in the midst of sky-high repayments, and creating new contracts, that will draw out the cost of the schemes for many more years.
The Government has proudly stated that it is not hiding information about the schemes, as Labour has been accused of doing with their accounts. And the figures the Treasury has published indeed spell out the extent of the current and newly made schemes.
But to hear them speak, one could safely assume PFI would no longer be used. Printing the truth allows the Government to claim transparency, whilst avoiding a vocal admission of the facts offers a more positive reputation.
It is a clever trick, but to achieve real accountability all new PFI deals should be openly acknowledged. Then the pressure to end such practice may be strong enough to make the change.
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