CAMPAIGNERS have called for a root and branch review of controversial public-private contracts across the country.

The move by trade unions, a left wing think tank and anti-PPP campaign groups follows concerns over recent defects in Edinburgh schools.

A letter signed by the STUC, Unite, Unison Scotland, NASUWT, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and the Common Weal argues the problems should be looked at in other authorities.

Read more: Architect to lead independent inquiry into Edinburgh schools closure

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS, said: “The recent experience of both pupils and teachers in Edinburgh underlines the importance of a wholescale review of the PPP/PFI initiative in relation to the ongoing exorbitant costs to the public purse."

Dave Watson, Unison Scotland’s head of policy, said PPP and PFI contracts constituted poor value for the taxpayer and lacked the flexibility that public services needed.

He added: "We welcome the call for a full inquiry that should be wider than simply Edinburgh schools. In particular, it should look at the prospects for ending existing contracts and using low public sector borrowing costs to replace expensive private sector debt."

Read more: Architect to lead independent inquiry into Edinburgh schools closure

Earlier this month it was announced that all of the Edinburgh schools closed amid safety fears had been repaired ahead of schedule by the Edinburgh Schools Partnership (ESP).

In total 17 PPP schools were closed with 7,600 pupils affected as the council put in place a huge logistical plan to provide alternative arrangements.

Read more: Architect to lead independent inquiry into Edinburgh schools closure

All the schools were built or refurbished as part of the same public-private partnership scheme. The council took the decision to shut them after ESP said it was unable to provide safety assurances for the properties.