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The Scottish construction
industry has called upon the Government to fast track the Scottish Futures
Trust to help end the job losses in the sector.
Scottish Ministers launched a consultation on a replacement for PPP/PFI
late in 2007. Their non-profit distributing model is intended to remove
perceived 'excessive' profits from public infrastructure projects.
However, many in the building trade have expressed concerns that the refusal
to sign new PFI contracts while the new system is put in place is exacerbating
the economic crisis sweeping the construction industry.
Speaking ahead of an expected announcement to pilot the Scottish Futures
Trust today, Michael Levack, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building
Federation said: "The Scottish Government should fast track their
new proposals and let industry get on with the job of building the new
schools, hospitals, roads and infrastructure we need.
"While I understand that the Government need to get it right, the
construction industry needs it right now. Since the SFT consultation closed
in March more than 15,000 construction workers have been made redundant
in Scotland. Our industry cannot afford for projects to be mothballed
while Ministers pilot an untried and untested finance model.
"SBF wants to work with Ministers to make the SFT work however the
scheme should not be allowed to become a brake on investment or exacerbate
the economic problems our industry faces. That is why we are calling on
the Government to be bold by allowing councils and health boards to use
existing PFI models to bring forward new schools and hospitals now. Only
once SFT is up and running should we consider closing the door on PFI
once and for all.
"Until then Ministers should be doing everything in their power to
deliver value for money and provide security for the 225,000 working in
Scotland's construction industry."
Scottish PFI Policy
Scottish
PPP Schools
Architecture
+ Design Scotland
Scottish Architecture
Policy
Edinburgh
Property
Scottish Architecture
World Architecture : e-architect
- a guide to key buildings across the globe
Scottish Buildings
PFI
Comments / photos for the PPP / PFI Replacement page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk
Scottish Futures Trust -
page : adrian welch / isabelle lomholt
Website : www.scottish-building.co.uk
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