Where we are now in December 2008Bray, the third of the five blocks making up the Chalcots estate is due to be signed off by the Independent Certifier (IC) 19th December.However, problems still remain in resident’s homes, such as leaking radiators, faulty windows and poorly regulated central heating controls, despite the IC sign off process. All the remaining problems will be transferred to the "snagging" process.Security remains a "key" concern of the residents at Bray and indeed the whole of the Chalcots.Inadequate lighting and no provision of a canopy to the entranceways continue to be a BIG concern for all residents.
Back in July 2008
I had written a summary of the “key” problem areas of the PFI process
1. Output Specification
2. Role of the Independent Certifier (IC)
3. Sign-off and snagging
Only the misapprehension of the role of the IC has now been addressed.It was hoped that with the correct levels of “direct” management pressure would the other issues have been addressed too.
Conclusion
Apart from the previous misapprehension that the role of the IC was to actually check all aspects of the finished “home” and check for essential Health and Safety certifications. We now know that the IC primary role is to sign-off, thereby starting the “unitary charge” process for release of “real” money from the PFIC bank to the contractor.
There is no real demonstratable change of the current implementation model.
It has to be said that PR skills have considerably improved on this PFI project.
I would also now add a new key "problem" PFI and non-PFI word to the list;
4. Communications
This refers to both the PFIC as well as the Local Authority, which are in many cases the worst offenders.
