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Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Answer

Mr. Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions her Department has had with representatives of the private sector on the contribution it can make to investing in local authority leisure facilities. [174055] Mr. Caborn: The Department continues to explore ways to increase investment in our sports facilities working with partners in the voluntary, public and private sectors. One of the key routes for DCMS to invest in the delivery of local authority leisure facilities is through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). This is one of a range of Government policies designed to increase private sector involvement in the provision of public services. DCMS is currently supporting 21 local authority PFI projects nationwide, 12 of which include the provision of new or refurbished sports and leisure facilities. DCMS has participated in various cross-government initiatives aimed at informing both the public and private sector about the PFI process. However, DCMS does not directly enter into discussions with the private sector on individual PFI projects since it is a matter for local authorities to negotiate the specific terms by which they might contribute to the provision of their leisure facilities.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

174055; 421 c1068W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Capital investment Leisure Facilities Local government Private sector Private finance initiative Sports

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk