Accountability issues in the new model of governance

Abstract

This paper looks at the new approach to the provision of public services in which the functions of planning and funding public services are separated from the provision of such services. This approach is part of the world-wide movement of public sector reform inspired by the neo-liberal critique of the size of the public sector and the quality of government services. While governments and their agencies remain the main funders or purchasers of certain essential services (as they must if the services are to count as ‘public’ services), they do not have to deliver the services themselves. Instead, they increasingly rely on private sector providers, whether from the for-profit, commercial sector or from the nonprofit or ‘community’ sector. A large number of activities are now outsourced, ranging from cleaning and rubbish collection to the provision of policy advice and personnel services.