CBI demands revamped PFI taskforce to break logjam

An alliance between public and private sector business would give the Private Finance Initiative a much-needed boost, according to the Confederation of British Industry.

Chairman of the CBI's public procurement and efficiency centre, Charles Cox, said: "The abolition of universal testing, and the promise of more rigorous project planning, removes the main policy hurdles to PFI, now the CBI seeks to become actively involved in assisting public and private sectors put theory into practice".

Removing the "logjam in health, and avoiding it recurring in education and local government is a top priority," said Cox.

Inclusion of the CBI as an active partner would signal the Government's commitment to teamwork, by including a "neutral" party in dealings with both public and private sectors - a move which could remove much of the acrimony accorded from both sectors.

A new public/private taskforce with a clearly defined role, to replace the existing Private Finance Panel is seen by CBI as the next positive move.

That, and streamlining the PFI processes are among the reforms the CBI are hoping for when the Government review of PFIÊ- due to be completed on 13 June - is released.