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| 02/09/2008 |
PFI Flawed From The Beginning Says UNISON |
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UNISON, the UK's largest public sector union, is today calling on the Government to abandon its failed Private Finance Initiative (PFI) policy in the light of the latest report by the Committee of Public Accounts. Sticking plaster solutions will do nothing to fix a policy that is rigid, has failed to deliver value for taxpayer's money, or transfer risk to the private sector.
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said:
"It is no good pointing the finger of blame at contract managers when the whole PFI system is fundamentally flawed. PFI is an economic disaster, geared towards making mega-profits for private companies at the expense of the public. It is a failed policy and should be abandoned.
"Taxpayers are being ripped-off to the tune of billions of pounds. PFI is much more expensive than government borrowing. We now have the heartbreaking situation where hospital trusts are spending 20 - 25% of their income just to pay for the financing costs.
"PFI finance costs the NHS around £480m a year - enough to build three large hospitals a year, equip hospitals with the latest technology or fund much sought after new drug treatments.
"The lack of flexibility with these 20 to 30 year contracts means that the public sector is unable to respond to changing policy or the needs of the local community. This means they can be saddled with unwanted or under-utilised facilities."
ends
National Contact: Anne Mitchell - 020 7551 1(546)
NW Regional Media Team 07826 501969.
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CONTACT DETAILS
• To find out more about membership benefits contact our helpline, UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845. Lines are open 6am-midnight Mon to Fri and 9am-4pm Sat.
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