The National Audit Office has praised a £200m Ministry of Defence PFI project, saying it offered value for money, despite the project's lengthy bidding process.
The audit office said the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Bracknell, Berkshire, was £23m cheaper than the public sector alternative.

However, Sir John Bourn, head of the audit office, noted in the report that the original timetable was unrealistic and negotiations were protracted.

Defence Management (owned by Laing Investments and Serco Investments) was awarded the 30-year PFI contract in June 1998, 16 months after it had been chosen as preferred bidder.

Bourn praised the MoD over its handling of the contract, saying: "Its success demonstrates the benefits of … clear direction and strong leadership."