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Scottish Futures Trust
13/11/2008
A new approach aimed at promoting joined up services to local communities are to be delivered first in South East Scotland under the management of the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT).
Finance Secretary John Swinney said the hub concept brings together local authorities, NHS Boards and other community planning partners to provide purpose-built premises for delivering better local services.
Two pathfinder areas - initially in South East Scotland and then the North of Scotland, each supported by £1.4 million from the Scottish Government - are bringing public bodies together in joint programmes of infrastructure investment.
Public investment of £30 million across Scotland is being provided to secure new community health care and similar facilities, with an emphasis on achieving better value to the public purse.
Mr Swinney, who made the announcement during a Parliamentary debate, said:
"Investment in Scotland's public service infrastructure provides both modern public services and jobs for the construction industry - vital in the current economic climate.
"We have an Infrastructure Investment Plan of some £35 billion over 10 years, but investment is needed now to help Scotland take early and speedy advantage of any economic recovery.
"I am delighted to announce today that the Scottish Government will provide £2.8 million over coming months to take forward the hub initiative in two areas of the country under SFT.
"Community hubs of this kind will demonstrate what SFT is capable of - more effective investment planning, procurement and delivery to reduce project costs.
"Today's announcement is a significant early milestone in the development of SFT. It follows the appointments of Sir Angus Grossart as chairman and, more recently, two non-executive directors.
"The progress made in recent weeks shows SFT is already building up an independent role and capacity and is contributing to the Scottish Government's efforts to increase sustainable economic growth."
SFT will aim to:
- Release up to £150 million each year for increased investment in infrastructure through greater partnership, improved preparation and handling of projects, and better value finance - including the non-profit distribution model
- Bring together the expertise to enable a Scotland-wide municipal bond to fund future infrastructure projects
- Provide opportunities for increased investment in Scotland's vital public service infrastructure - including schools, hospitals and transport projects
- Learn the lessons from previous PFI contracts to reduce the cost of funding and deliver more effective investment planning, procurement and delivery