Public or private?

摘要

The first article in this series (The MJ, 24 February) explained there are now three ways of embarking on trading-type activity. These are - using existing powers to trade; using the new power to trade commercially; or using the power to charge for civic services. The existing powers to trade were narrowly drawn and primarily used for trading within the pubic sector, with one local authority providing services for another using the power within Section 1 of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970. The new trading and charging powers within the Local Government Act 2003 have opened up a fundamental choice for local authorities. Do they wish to trade commercially or do they want to charge for civic services? The difference means far more than just terminology.