Equivalent project relief provisions
In private finance initiative (PFI) contracts, equivalent project relief (EPR) provisions offer a mechanism for contractors to enforce back-to-back risk transfer down the supply chain.
Also known as ‘EPR clauses’, they are used as overarching provisions in PFI contracts to preserve the liquidity of the PFI project company by ensuring the rights and obligations of the sub-contractor are tied to those of the PFI project company under the project agreement. This is intended to ensure that the entitlement of the sub-contractor will be no greater and no less than that of the PFI project company.
EPR provisions were often used a way of getting around the prohibited ‘pay-when-paid’ provision under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act (HGCRA). However, this has been challenged in cases such as Midland Expressway Ltd v Carillion Construction Ltd & Others [2005]. As a result, EPR provisions are often quite elaborate and complex mechanisms which may, under scrutiny, be found to be unforceable if they are interpreted as undermining the purpose of HGCRA.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
CIOB celebrates positive Ofsted report.
The Building Safety Regulator announces a call for evidence.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.