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The case for Universal Basic Services

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  • Gough, Ian

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gough, Ian, 2020. "The case for Universal Basic Services," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 107815, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:107815
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/107815/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gerlinde Verbist & Michael Förster & Maria Vaalavuo, 2012. "The Impact of Publicly Provided Services on the Distribution of Resources: Review of New Results and Methods," OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers 130, OECD Publishing.
    2. Ian Gough, 2017. "Heat, Greed and Human Need," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 16991.
    3. Gough, Ian, 2015. "The Political Economy of Prevention," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 45(2), pages 307-327, April.
    4. Gough, Ian, 2019. "Universal Basic Services: a theoretical and moral framework," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 101051, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mikhail Martynovich & Teis Hansen & Karl-Johan Lundquist, 2023. "Can foundational economy save regions in crisis?," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 23(3), pages 577-599.
    2. Gough, Ian, 2021. "Two scenarios for sustainable welfare: new ideas for an eco-social contract," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 112594, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Bärnthaler, Richard, 2024. "Problematising degrowth strategising: On the role of compromise, material interests, and coercion," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    4. Mikhail Martynovich & Teis Hansen & Karl-Johan Lundquist, 2023. "Can foundational economy save regions in crisis?," Journal of International Economic Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 23(3), pages 577-599.
    5. Ellie Benton & Anne Power, 2021. "CASE Annual Report 2020," CASE Reports casereport136, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, LSE.
    6. Richard Bärnthaler & Andreas Novy & Leonhard Plank, 2021. "The Foundational Economy as a Cornerstone for a Social–Ecological Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public services; human needs; foundational economy; social rights; social wage;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E6 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook

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