July 2026
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This conference examined priorities for managing the transition away from Private Finance Initiative contracts.
It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to consider the way forward for oversight, coordination and support as PFI contracts approach expiry, including the emerging role of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority within wider arrangements for infrastructure oversight and contract management. Areas for discussion included co-ordination across contracting authorities, consistency in the assessment of asset condition and compliance, and what guidance, capabilities and expertise may be needed to support the management of expiry and related processes.
The agenda also considered implementation of the PFI Asset Condition Playbook and implications of the Procurement Act 2023 for contract management and expiry, including the development of greater clarity and shared understanding in the interpretation of handback requirements and expectations. Approaches to improving preparedness across contracting authorities were also discussed following publication of the Government Commercial Agency’s new guidance on how to access central support for PFI and PPP contract management, alongside strategies for improving data quality and asset information, and managing risks relating to lifecycle maintenance, compliance and potential disputes at contract expiry.
With 2025 Autumn Budget ambitions for a new public-private partnership model and use of private finance to support delivery of a strengthened long-term infrastructure pipeline, there was a focus on market confidence and pipeline credibility. In the context of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy’s ambitions for large-scale infrastructure projects, discussion considered how PPP models can be structured to deliver value for money and designed for specific use cases, particularly in health infrastructure and public estate decarbonisation projects.
Handback readiness, risk management & implementation
The agenda examined system readiness for the expected volume of PFI contract expiries, including continuity of service delivery and strengthening assurance and accountability arrangements as contracts approach handback. Discussion drew on findings from the Public Accounts Committee’s 2025 report Government’s use of private finance for infrastructure, which highlighted concerns around preparedness, data quality and oversight.
Delegates considered how risks relating to incomplete or inconsistent asset data, lifecycle maintenance backlogs and compliance with contractual standards at expiry can be addressed in practice, as well as approaches to reducing the likelihood of disputes over asset condition, rectification requirements and contractual interpretation.
Options for establishing more consistent and transparent approaches across public and private sector partners were examined, including options for earlier engagement on asset condition, clearer expectations for handback standards, and use of dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms as contracts approach expiry.
Future PPP model design, structuring & delivery capability
The conference also looked at implications of the Government’s commitment within the 2025 Budget to develop a new PPP model, in the context of establishing a credible and deliverable long-term infrastructure pipeline. Attendees considered how lessons from legacy PFI could inform model design. Areas for discussion included approaches to risk allocation between public and private partners, contract flexibility over long asset lifecycles, and performance management frameworks - alongside how decarbonisation requirements, digital and data capabilities, and evolving service delivery models can be integrated.
Approaches to structuring PPP models were examined. This included how risk allocation, procurement approaches and contract structures can fairly reconcile investor confidence with public sector value for money, alongside options for managing demand, construction and operational risks, and reducing the likelihood of disputes over the lifecycle of a contract.
Further sessions examined strategies for strengthening procurement and contract management capability across the public sector. Areas for discussion included workforce development, commercial and technical skills, and institutional capacity to support both effective handback and future PPP delivery. Attendees also considered options for improving transparency and coordination across complex delivery structures, and the extent to which clearer frameworks and expectations may be needed to support consistency in future PPP arrangements.
As well as key stakeholders, those attending included officials from the Department for Transport; Department for Infrastructure, NI; Department for Education; Government Legal Department; Ministry of Defence; Environment Agency; Ofwat; National Audit Office; National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority; Office of Rail and Road; Health and Safety Executive; National Wealth Fund; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
