Fears of new PFI-style ‘disaster’ as firms handed £6m to advise on using private funds for NHS clinics

The GuardianWednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:00:16 AM
Fears of new PFI-style ‘disaster’ as firms handed £6m to advise on using private funds for NHS clinics
The UK government has allocated £6 million to consultants and lawyers to explore public-private partnerships for new NHS clinics, raising concerns about a potential repeat of past funding disasters. With £3 million contracts awarded to Deloitte and Addleshaw Goddard, critics worry that this approach could lead to inefficiencies and financial pitfalls similar to those seen in previous private finance initiatives. This move is significant as it reflects ongoing debates about the best ways to fund and manage healthcare services in England, especially in light of the NHS's current challenges.
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