Regulatory Application

RNS Number:5157P
Office of the PPP Arbiter
09 September 2003

EMBARGOED UNTIL 0700; TUESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2003

9th September 2003

PPP ARBITER CONSULTS ON ROLE, APPROACH AND PROCEDURES


*      Consultation on role of PPP Arbiter: statutory and contractual functions 
       and objectives

*      Proposed approach to PPP Agreement objectives

*      Proposed procedural approach

*      Draft work programme for 2003/04

*      Report from Cambridge Economic Policy Associates


Chris Bolt, Arbiter for the London Underground PPP Agreements, has today
published his first consultation paper.

The paper describes the statutory and contractual framework within which the PPP
Arbiter operates, and sets out for consultation his proposed approach and
supporting objectives for himself and his Office and proposes an initial work
programme for 2003/04.

"I am consulting widely and welcome contributions from all with an interest in a
safe, reliable and efficient Underground."

Responses are requested by Friday 7th November 2003.

A copy of the consultation paper can be found at http://www.ppparbiter.org.uk.


                                      Ends

Notes for Editors

1.      There are three PPP Agreements between London Underground (LUL) and the
private sector companies (Infracos) who will maintain, renew and upgrade
discrete parts of LUL's infrastructure under separate 30 year Service Contracts.
LUL remains responsible, in the public sector, for delivering services to
customers.  The first PPP Agreement, with Tube Lines, came into operation on 31
December 2002 and covers the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.  The other
two Agreements, covering the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines and the
Sub-Surface Lines, were finalised with the Metronet consortium on 4 April 2003.

2.      The role of PPP Arbiter was created by the Greater London Authority Act
1999, which establishes his functions and duties.  The Arbiter determines
disputes on the key commercial aspects of the PPP Agreements, in particular at
the 7 1/2 year Periodic Reviews, and gives guidance on any aspect of the
Agreements when requested by one or both of the parties.  He is able to require
parties to provide information, and to carry out inspections, consult
appropriate parties and do what he considers appropriate to prepare for giving
directions or guidance.  Further details of the role of the PPP Arbiter can be
obtained rhttp://www.ppparbiter.org.uk from http://www.ppparbiter.org.uk

3.      Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA) is an economic and financial
policy advisory business with a public interest mission.  It provides policy
advice on the appropriate role of markets and private capital, alone or in
partnership with the public sector, in economic development.  Further
information is available at http://www.cepa.co.uk.


Enquiries

Chris Bolt on 020 7849 5629

Office of the PPP Arbiter
12 St James's Square
London SW1Y 4RB


                     


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