The Rise and Rise of Public Private Partnerships: Challenges for Public Accountability

Abstract

The increasing popularity of public private partnerships (PPPs) thrusts on to centre stage the inherent tension between accountability and transparency on the one hand, and efficiency and commerciality on the other. This paper explores a number of accountability issues that are exacerbated by a public private partnership structure. The organisational structure of a PPP, where much of the activity associated with the delivery of a public service is embedded in a private‐sector entity, increases the likelihood that public scrutiny of decisions and actions is significantly inhibited