Outsourcing in the UK

“The book as a whole provides a coherent exploration of the topic and case, with little weakness overall. I enjoyed this book and recommend it for scholars interested in this topic generally and in the UK case specifically.” Public Organization Review

“Janice Morphet has produced an authoritative and first class account of outsourcing in the UK. The book is a ‘must read’ for students, researchers and teachers of public administration.” John Connolly, University of the West of Scotland

“A scholarly and authoritative text for anyone interested or involved in outsourcing. Impressive in scope, it draws on multiple geographical scales and sectors, but is also embedded in broader narratives, ideologies and public perceptions on the topic. Illuminates in one place a hitherto disparate knowledge base.” Joyce Liddle, Northumbria University

“This timely volume addresses the much neglected but important topic: how governments deliver goods and services to their citizens. Using an impressive range of policy areas, this analysis exposes the intensely political nature of outsourcing.” Claire A. Dunlop, University of Exeter

Janice Morphet has had a career in academia, local and central government and is now Visiting Professor in the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London.

Introduction

The Legal Basis for Competition in Public Services

Competition in Utilities

Preparing to Outsource Government Services

Local Government: Compulsory Competition and Best Value

Creating the Public Services Market

Outsourcing Central Government Services

Liberalising Health Services and Functions

Outsourcing in Education

The Third Sector and Social Value

Taking Back Service Delivery

Conclusions