The case for Universal Basic Services

Ian Gough

LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library

Abstract: This paper shifts the focus from transfers to public services. It mounts a case for Universal Basic Services (UBS): a proposal to safeguard and develop existing public services and to extend this model of provision into new areas. The first part argues that public services require a distinct conceptual justification and sets this out in terms of shared human needs and a foundational economy. The second part develops the normative arguments for UBS, in terms of efficiency, equality, solidarity and sustainability. The third part considers some of the issues to be faced in delivering UBS and the role of state institutions, with brief illustrations of adult social care and bus transport service provisions. The final section summarises some developments, including experience of Covid-19, which might enhance the political impetus for UBS.

Keywords: public services; human needs; foundational economy; social rights; social wage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E6 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 9 pages
Date: 2020-12-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hme
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

Published in LSE Public Policy Review, 7, December, 2020, 1(2). ISSN: 2633-4046

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ehl:lserod:107815

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