Public services and market mechanisms : competition, contracting and the new public management

The introduction of market mechanisms and a new public management are transforming government and public service throughout the world.

Drawing on the experience of a number of countries but focusing, in particular, on the UK where change has progressed furthest and on the broadest front, this is the first comprehensive account of the impact of a whole range of innovations such as charging, contracting, internal markets and the creation of devolved agencies.