Work Programme

In accordance with the Financial Framework agreed between the Arbiter and the Department for Transport, which is available in the Annual Report and Accounts section of this website, the Arbiter produces a business plan each year which is published on the website. The business plan is consistent with the aim and objectives set by the Arbiter:

'The aim of the PPP Arbiter is to give sound and timely guidance or directions on relevant aspects of the PPP Agreements when this is requested, and to work constructively with the Parties to the PPP Agreements in support of their key objective of providing to the public a modern and reliable metro service in a safe, efficient and economic manner.

We seek to achieve this by:

working within a clear, transparent and consistent framework;
giving reasoned guidance and directions which are based on well developed analysis shared with the Parties and procedures which achieve predictability in process and outcome;
establishing effective dialogue with the PPP Parties and other stakeholders to facilitate timely response to requests for guidance or direction, while maintaining our independence; and
operating to high standards of accountability in all our actions.'

A summary of the work programme and initial budget for 2008-09 contained in the published business plan is set out below.

Work programme and initial budget for 2008-09

Create and maintain an appropriate analytical and procedural framework	Budget
Update Procedural Approach to Extraordinary Review in light of lessons learned from the Metronet BCV Review Complete development of Procedural Approach to Periodic Review and publish revised Procedural Framework Further develop Analytical Approach to Periodic Review	£250,000
Define and develop information requirements and analysis
Implement a refreshed routine information returns process and produce regular analysis as required for the team report etc. Develop programme of work for Reporters and manage their delivery of it	£350,000
Respond effectively to requests for guidance or direction
Work with the Parties to produce the base information necessary to support Periodic Review Carry out further benchmarking and analytical work for Periodic Review Conduct any references to the published timetable	£2,135,000
Ensure proper understanding of the PPP Agreements and the Arbiter's role, both within the organisation and externally
Continue to develop relationships with PPP Parties such that work can proceed on a cooperative basis Ensure programme of meetings with external bodies is reflective of the needs of the work programme Ensure that external stakeholders have access to the work programme and are updated on matters relevant to them Continue to develop relationships with ORR Develop relationships with third parties that enable progress of OPPPA's programme of benchmarking work	£45,000
Manage the Office effectively
Consider long term options for structure of Office in light of emerging Metronet proposition Ensure that staff development continues to facilitate succession planning Complete all routine Office administration as required Complete annual report and budget cycle Review corporate governance Maintain risk register	£520,000

The budget initially agreed with the Secretary of State for 2008-09 was £3.3 million. Following receipt of the reference from London Underground for guidance on the range of possible costs for Tube Lines in the second Review Period on 14 April 2008, and the issues raised by that reference, a revised budget of £3.65 million was agreed on 11 February 2009. This revised budget allowed for further preparatory work to be undertaken by the Arbiter in advance of the submission by Tube Lines of its Response to Restated Terms in June 2009.