Date: Weds 10 Sept 2008

UNISON condemns Scottish Futures Trust quango to promote PPP

UNISON Scotland today hit out at the creation of the Scottish Futures Trust and the appointment of Sir Angus Grossart to spearhead the company.

Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said, "In opposition the SNP were highly critical of PPP, yet today, in Government, they have established a hugely expensive PPP quango headed up by a merchant banker.

"The Strategic Business Case for the SFT showed it will start off with five staff who will each earn on average more than the Chief Executive of Scotland's largest local authority.

"It is difficult to see how this body will be anything other than a vocal proponent of more PPP in Scotland, wasting yet more billions of taxpayers' money.

"Already Ministers have said it will drive forward 'hub' developments, which are PPP projects based on the English LIFT schemes, strongly criticised in a House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report in 2006. UNISON Scotland believes that conventional financing of new schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure provides the best value for money."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS UNISON's summary evidence to the Finance Committee for its 9 Sept meeting on the SFT is available from Fiona Montgomery (0141 342 2852) or at f.montgomery@unison.co.uk

For Further Information Please Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) - 07958 122 409(m) Fiona Montgomery (Information Development Officer) 0141 342 2852

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