PFI Coming to an End? A Major Security Challenge for the Public Sector

With hundreds of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts across the UK set to expire from 2025 onwards, public sector organisations are entering a significant period of transition. As ownership of buildings and infrastructure returns to the public sector, institutions are being handed responsibility for systems that may not have been upgraded or supported in years.

The challenges are clear:

• Outdated or unsupported physical security systems
• Limited budgets and rising pressure on operational resources
• Lack of in-house expertise to plan, manage or modernise estate-wide infrastructure
• Increased scrutiny and compliance demands (safeguarding, data protection, governance)
• Fragmented upgrades and poor system integration, creating risk and inefficiency

From local authorities and transport hubs to healthcare estates and cultural institutions, many are facing the same dilemma: how to secure people, assets and operations — not just today, but into the future — with fewer resources and greater complexity.

Without the financial and operational support previously built into PFI contracts, organisations are exposed. The risk isn’t just technical failure — it’s non-compliance, reputational harm, and a widening gap between what’s needed and what’s achievable.

How Reliance Can Help

At Reliance, we’ve worked alongside public sector clients for decades, supporting high-compliance, multi-site environments through complex transitions. We understand that it’s not just about replacing outdated kit — it’s about building safer, smarter, more resilient operations.

As an independent integrator, we give you access to the full spectrum of leading security technologies — from cloud-connected CCTV and access control to integrated command and control platforms. We tailor the solution to your needs, not to a single vendor’s offering.

Introducing Reliance Elevate

In addition to traditional procurement routes, we offer Reliance Elevate — a flexible commercial model that makes it easier for public sector organisations to access modern security solutions without large upfront costs.

Whether you’re modernising legacy systems or moving to cloud-based platforms, Reliance Elevate allows you to:

• Adopt the right technology now, without the capital burden
• Spread costs over time, aligning investment with operational budgets
• Enhance system performance with ongoing support, remote diagnostics and upgrades
• Strengthen compliance and resilience across your estate
• Unlock more value from your security infrastructure — today and tomorrow

Reliance Elevate isn’t just a commercial model — it’s part of a broader commitment to helping the public sector build safer, smarter, and more sustainable security environments. Backed by our extensive experience in high-compliance settings and supported by industry-leading accreditations — including ISO standards and Cyber Essentials Plus — Reliance gives you confidence that your estate is in expert hands.

As the PFI era draws to a close, we’re ready to help you take the next step — with the technology, support, and commercial flexibility to make it work.

Let’s protect what matters — together.