28 September 2001
The transport sub-committee of the Commons' transport, local government and the regions committee will begin its inquiry in October.
It will consider whether or not there should be an independent audit of the public-private partnership, how much of the contract information should be made publicly available and the record of industrial relations.
Labour MP Louise Ellman, a member of the committee, told Public Finance that it would investigate the PPP 'because of concerns about value for money and public safety'.
One key issue is the lack of a unified management team when the PPP is in place – a long-time worry of London Mayor Ken Livingstone and his transport supremo Bob Kiley.
The 11-strong committee has a majority of Labour MPs but this is no guarantee that the committee will conclude in favour of the government.
Livingstone backed the decision of the MPs, especially their consideration of an independent audit.
PFsep2001
