Thomas Bridge 16 March 2015

Public want new legal rights over outsourcing, poll reveals

Communities want stronger powers over public service outsourcing alongside greater transparency surrounding contracts, according to a survey.

A survey undertaken by Survation for campaign group We Own It found 68% of those questioned thought the public should have a legal right to be consulted on the outsourcing of public services and given greater access to information about deals.

This approach won support from followers of all political parties but saw the strongest backing from Labour and UKIP voters.

Around half of respondents were against the current trend of services being outsourced to the private sector

In comparison, less than a quarter of respondents said they wanted to see more public services run by firms.

Cat Hobbs, director of We Own It, said: ‘Government hands over our public services to private providers under the veil of “commercial confidentiality” – it's old fashioned and undemocratic. We don't know what's been agreed in our name and with our public money.

‘The people affected by public service sell-offs and contracts – whether it's the East Coast line, the National Gallery or local council care services – want to have a say.

‘We need a Public Service Users Bill for transparency and accountability, to put the public interest ahead of vested corporate interests,’ Hobbs added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner