Public-private partnerships involve non-state actors working with the government on public projects. They are used for complex, long-term projects that need a lot of money. However, they may not always be the best choice for providing public services. Different types of partnerships have varying levels of risk and responsibility. Local authorities should be careful when considering these partnerships and understand that they require expertise to negotiate. While they can offer benefits, like transferring risk to the private sector, they also come with risks and may require higher payments.