Labour is poised to back the private finance initiative (PFI) in the National Health Service. It will promise support for important hospital deals. It comes after years of warning that the government’s plans to have the private sector design, build, finance and operate hospitals, were merely a front for privatisation.
Projects expected to receive assurances are a £35m redevelopment for South Buckinghamshire trust, a £193m project for Norfolk and Norwich trust and a £137m project at Dartford and Gravesham. Commercial terms have already been agreed for all of them.
Labour will set out new plans today to revitalise the PFI in its manifesto for business to be launched in the City. The Times says the outlook for PFI is fair whoever wins power.
- Financial Times 11/04/97 page 12
- The Times 11/04/97 page 25, page 29 (analysis)
- The Guardian 11/04/97 page 12
