PPP and the scandal of unsafe buildings

THE discovery that dozens of school buildings across Scotland are potentially unsafe is nothing less than a national scandal.

Last year, 17 Edinburgh schools were shut following the collapse of a wall at a primary. Now it has emerged that at least 71 more schools throughout the country have been found to have similar defects to those in the capital.

When they send their children to school, the very least parents can expect is that they will be learning in a building that is safe and secure.

Yet, following the wall collapse at Oxgangs Primary, a subsequent investigation revealed that many schools built under the controversial Public-Private Partnership schemes (PPP) needed emergency work carried out to secure external walls.

These PPP projects have made millions of pounds for businesses in Scotland.

But while those companies have enjoyed the glittering financial rewards, doubts are now growing about the condition of public buildings across Scotland.

Similar PPP deals were struck to fund the construction of hospitals and care homes and there are now legitimate concerns that structural problems may be present in some of these buildings in which thousands of people work every day.

We understand the advantages of using private money to help pay for new public buildings, but it is imperative that these deals represent value for money and, more importantly, the facilities provided must be fit for purpose.

Taxpayers are entitled to know the details of each project and – where faults are discovered – should be confident that anyone found to have fallen short in the completion of these schemes is held to account.

These latest safety concerns must now lead to a Scottish Government review of all PPP deals on public buildings in Scotland.

For it would be the gravest insult to the Scottish public if any of those involved in the construction of these buildings cut corners while lining their pockets.