Public Services International Research Unit
Education Index Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Resources Index PSIRU Home Email us at: psiru@psiru.org



Activity 3.2: Financial benefits of privatisation





FOCUS

To analyse who gets financial benefits from privatisation

To help develop critical material for campaigns

TASKS:

Read the resource materials on the privatisation of electricity in the UK, and on 'hidden taxation' whereby consumers pay higher prices to a private operator, which pays money to the municipality or government to reduce its budget deficit.

Discuss these questions:

  • Who is benefiting from privatisation?
  • What could be done to change the distribution of benefits?
  • Does this picture fit any other privatisations you know about?

RESOURCES:

TIME

2 hours

Notes for tutors

The discussion should bring out that the supposed benefits of privatisation do not always materialise in practice. It should also bring out that even if there are efficiency gains, the benefits may not go to consumers or workers.