As economists we often argue that choice is a good thing as it will help to create more efficient and dynamic markets. Public-sector reform has tended to focus on the introduction of choice as a way of making public services more responsive to consumer needs. But is choice always a good thing? The article linked to below from the Guardian considers the trade-off between choice and central planning.
We’re getting choice, whether we want it or not Guardian (16/3/2008)
Questions
| 1. | Explain how increased choice helps to make the public sector more responsive to consumer needs. |
| 2. | Discuss whether centrally planned provision of public services, such as healthcare, is likely to lead to more or less efficient services. |
| 3. | Assess the extent to which increased choice in the provision of health services is likely to make health care more responsive to people’s healthcare needs. |