Development of UK Market
While different countries have engaged the private sector in public service delivery in a variety of different ways, it is generally recognised that this concept has been explored more fully in the English-speaking world. Since the 1980s, the UK has led the world, first in the privatisation of public enterprises and subsequently in the establishment of a mixed economy in the provision of core public services. This section provides an historical context to the current public services sector market in the UK.