Provision Of Public Services

In light of the Prime Minister's speech on the future of the public services, a survey by the MORI Social Research Institute - conducted on behalf of the New Local Government Network (NLGN) think-tank - reveals an overwhelming pragmatism among the British public towards private sector involvement in the provision of public services.

Based on 2000+ interviews conducted last month, the survey - Public Service & The Private Sector - reveals that since 1998 there has been:

• Little change in the view that the public sector is 'underfunded' (down 1 point from 69% to 68%)
• Great change in perceptions of the public sector as 'friendly' (down 17 points from 37% to 20%) and 'keen to help' (down 14 points from 31% to 17%)

The findings also highlight an overwhelming mood of pragmatism towards private sector involvement in the public sector:

• 17% of people believe that the private sector should be prevented from providing public services
• 33% think that private sector companies are always more efficient than local councils
• 68% believe that private sector companies should be allowed to run public services if they can do so more effectively

In attitudes towards the private sector providing particular services, the survey found evidence within the overwhelming pragmatism of:

• Greater acceptance of private sector involvement in the provision of local services such as refuse collection and street cleaning
• Uncertainty about private sector involvement in schools, tax collection, benefits and social services

Notes: The New Local Government Network is an independent think-tank, funded by supporters from both the public and private sector. In advancing a new localism, the work of NLGN seeks to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities. www.nlgn.org.uk

The MORI Social Research Institute conducted 2006 interviews with British adults aged 15+. Interviews were conducted face-to-face on 6-10 September 2001, in 195 sampling points across GB. Results are weighted to profile of population.