BIM64290 - Private finance initiative (PFI): interest: trade: example 8

A private sector 'operator', already carrying on the trade of running a prison, enters into a PFI contract with a public sector 'purchaser', to provide a specific number of additional prison places for 25 years. The operator builds an extension to its existing prison on land acquired for the purpose, financed by a bank loan. In return the operator receives an annual service payment, the 'unitary charge', which commences after the extension has been completed.

Accounting period 1

Construction of the extension is completed at the end of the accounting period.

For tax purposes the design and construction costs are capital expenditure (see BIM64025 onwards). For accounting purposes the example assumes that SSAP9 'Stock and long-term contracts' principles are adopted during the construction period. The construction costs, including £5m interest on the loan, are debited to the work-in-progress (WIP) account and a notional 'sale' is recognised on completion of the prison extension at the end of the accounting period. For accounting purposes the extension is therefore reported as a finance debtor on the operator's balance sheet (see BIM64125), under FRS5 'Application note F' (see BIM64070 onwards).

For tax purposes we follow the accounting recognition of income and expenditure in the profit and loss account, subject to any relevant over-riding statutory or case law principle.

The extension is constructed as a fixed asset of the trade for tax purposes and not as trading stock. The 'sale' is therefore not recognised for tax purposes. The £5m interest debit is 'capitalised' to a current asset that falls within the definition of fixed capital project (see BIM64245) and FA96/SCH9/PARA14 applies. The £5m interest is therefore an allowable deduction in the trading profits computation for the accounting period. The example assumes an accounting profit of £10m.

Accounting period 2

In the next accounting period a unitary payment of £15m is receivable in respect of the additional prison places. For accounting purposes £12m is credited to the profit and loss account (being notional 'interest' on the finance debtor and 'operating income') and £3m is credited to the finance debtor.

For tax purposes we follow the accounting recognition of income and expenditure in the profit and loss account, subject to any over-riding statutory or case law principle.

The £3m credited to the finance debtor is trading income for services provided and is therefore included as an addition in the trading profits computation (see BIM64125).

The proportion of the finance debtor, against which the £3m credit is matched, represents capital construction costs and trade interest that has already been relieved under FA96/SCH9/PARA14. Neither is an allowable deduction in this, or future, accounting periods for tax purposes. Therefore no adjustment is required in the trading profits computation (see BIM64130).