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PFI may collapse due to EU directive

Series: New Civil Engineer ; 5 July 2001, 8(1)Publication details: 2001Subject(s): Summary: A proposed European Commission procurement directive, expected in November 2001, will ban public sector clients from holding detailed discussions with a single preferred bidder. Designed to eliminate corruption in the construction sector, the new process will mean a two to threefold increase in bidding costs. This is likely to be too great a financial risk for most companies. Major UK contractors warn that the private finance initiative could therefore collapse unless the proposed EU directive is stopped.

A proposed European Commission procurement directive, expected in November 2001, will ban public sector clients from holding detailed discussions with a single preferred bidder. Designed to eliminate corruption in the construction sector, the new process will mean a two to threefold increase in bidding costs. This is likely to be too great a financial risk for most companies. Major UK contractors warn that the private finance initiative could therefore collapse unless the proposed EU directive is stopped.