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Monday Jul 17, 2006
The public sector fights back
Not everyone, it seems, is entirely happy with the government’s determination to increase the role of the voluntary sector in public service delivery.
The Public & Commercial Services Union (PCS) has commissioned a report into the provision of employment related services by the third sector that questions whether they do any better than the public sector.
But it is in the Foreword by the PCS General Secreatry Mark Serwotka that battle-lines are most clearly drawn.
We consider that many questions about the expansion of the state’s use of the third sector have not been answered, or even considered in any detail. It has the potential to return significant sectors of the public service to a pre-war model when the “deserving poor” were expected to show gratitude to their charitable benefactors. This would be another phase in dismantling the welfare state. It is of massive concern both to those who currently battle to provide services in the face of cuts and privatisation, and to those who use them. Both have a right to expect better from society. This report should mark the beginning of a real debate within the trade union movement, with service users and with government about how stable and effective services are provided, without jeopardising the security of staff or quality of service.
In The Guardian, David Walker continues the debate.
Are charities a Trojan horse? If the game is about replacing state with private sector provision, then dishing out contracts to non-profit organisations may be a holding operation, or tactic. Once inside the walls of social and employment services, let alone health, out of the belly of the third sector will pour real profit seekers. Cynics say Blairite ministers know this, but it suits their political reputation to insist that they want "social" rather than "free" enterprise.
Unfortunately for the public sector unions, away from the left of the Labour Party none of the main political players have any interest at being seen to bow to their pressure. In fact, the opportunity to face down union opposition will probably make contracting out to the third sector even more appealing.
Posted by Tom Green ( 4:05 PM ) Link to this post Comments[0]