Only 1 in 9 Thinks Private Sector Will Improve Public Services

Only 1 in 9 voters believes extending private sector involvement will improve public services, according to a new opinion poll.

The survey, conducted by MORI for the GMB trade union, reveals that only 11% of those questioned believe that bringing in private sector companies to provide public services will, "be most likely to lead to significant improvements", in those services. Even fewer, only 8%, believe that hiring private sector managers will be most likely to lead to big improvements.

According to the poll, voters regard improved pay and conditions for public service workers as a priority, with 64% of those asked saying they believe this would lead to a significant improvement in services. 43% cited the employment of more public service staff, and 42% more investment in buildings and equipment.

Amongst Labour supporters there is similar scepticism over the role of the private sector. Only 10% of Labour voters believe in greater involvement for private sector companies, whilst only 6% trust private sector managers to make positive improvements.

Commenting on the poll findings, GMB General Secretary John Edmonds said:

"By pushing ahead with public service privatisation Tony Blair is not just placing himself on a collision course with our nurses, teachers and doctors, he is on a collision course with the British public. The huge opposition to the Government's plans reflected in this poll does not arise from ideology, it comes from bitter experience of the damage 20 years of Tory privatisation has done to our railways, health services and schools. If the Prime Minister does not pause for thought, public service privatisation could become Labour's poll-tax".

How Public Services Could Be Improved

• MORI interviewed 2,110 British adults aged 15+
• Interviews were conducted face-to-face, in respondents' homes, in 193 sampling points across Great Britain
• Fieldwork took place between 5 - 9 July 2001
• Results are based on all respondents
• Data are weighted to known population profile
• Poll conducted by MORI on behalf of the GMB

The next few questions relate to public services. By public services, I mean the range of services provided by central or local government - for example, the NHS hospitals, schools and colleges, social services and refuse collection.

Q Here are a number of suggestions that have been made as to how the government could improve public services. At the present time, which one or two of these, do you think would be most likely to lead to significant improvements to public services?

Q And which one or two do you think would be least likely to lead to significant improvements to public services?