Mark Whitehead 22 January 2018

Pause all outsourcing and PFI contracts, urges think tank

A think tank has called for an end to the Government's 'love-in' with outsourcing and Public Finance Initiatives.

The left-leaning Smith Institute think tank demands an immediate pause in all public service contracting and a review of all existing deals.

Its report, ‘Out of contract: Time to move on from the ‘love in’ with outsourcing and PFI’ follows the Carillion debacle which the institute says has shown the 'serious risks and excessive costs to the taxpayer when government becomes reliant on outsourcing companies.'

It says public sector outsourcing contracts are currently valued at around £100bn a year - but taxpayers will have to pay a further £95bn in charges connected with the deals.

Authors John Tizard, former senior executive of outsourcing specialists Capita, and David Walker, former director at the Audit Commission, say a full examination of outsourcing and PFI deals could lead to many contracts being abandoned and public delivery of public service being reinstated.

They say local government, the devolved administrations and some NHS trusts are taking services back in-house, finding that they can be cheaper, better quality, more flexible and more accountable.

The institute's director Paul Hackett said: 'We need a new approach based on public service values and community benefit, rather than private profiteering.

'This report starts to map out what form that new approach should take.'

Councils have already started to bring services back in-house following the news Carillion has gone into liquidation.

Writing for The MJ (£), John Tizard and David Walker demand a reflection on where the last 30 years of competitive tendering has brought us.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner