The Prior Options

1. A Prior Options Review should rigorously examine whether the NDPB's function is required at all and, if so, should then look at the full range of possible alternatives. This chapter sets out the options in question.

Option 1: Abolition of STB

2. Complete abolition would involve closing down STB and terminating its functions, which would then no longer be carried out by any organisation. Partial abolition (which would require that STB's work be separable into individual functions) would involve terminating some of the Board's functions, which would not then be carried out by any organisation.

Option 2: Privatisation

3. This would involve disposing of all the assets of STB and letting the private sector deliver the Board's functions with no continuing Ministerial responsibility or involvement. The risks of commercial success would rest entirely with the private sector.

Option 3: Abolition of STB and Transfer of Functions

4. This would involve complete or partial abolition of STB (but not its functions) and transfer of some or all of its functions to some other provider, for example another NDPB.

Option 4: Contracting Out En Bloc (Contractorisation)

5. Under this option, Ministerial accountability would remain in full as would public sector control over the strategic direction of the work currently undertaken by STB. However, responsibility for the operational aspects of the entire service would be passed, via contract, to the private sector. By accepting this as a feasible option, Ministers would be taking the view that the private sector was capable of delivering all STB's functions.

Option 5: Agency Status

6. This would involve transferring STB into Central Government as a Next Steps Agency.

Option 6: Market Testing Individual Functions

7. If it is concluded that none of the above options are appropriate, then Ministers would be taking the view that STB should continue to function as a corporate body established by Act of Parliament. This need not, however, denote acceptance of the status quo and this final option involves consideration of whether any of the Board's existing functions are individually suitable for the private sector to carry out.