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When Is A Service An Essential Public Service?

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  • Steven Van De Walle

Abstract

ABSTRACT**: Citizens consider certain public (and private) services as essential services and therefore to be shielded from the full extent of market forces. Little is known about why some services are considered essential public services while other sometimes very similar services are not. In this article, we analyze public opinion using Eurobarometer data to test models exploring what factors determine whether citizens in 15 EU countries consider certain services as essential services and therefore to be provided to all. Despite the variety in public opinion, political orientations and geographic factors do little to explain why citizens have different opinions about the provision of public services. The article ends by outlining a research agenda for the further analysis of this underexplored research topic.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Van De Walle, 2009. "When Is A Service An Essential Public Service?," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 80(4), pages 521-545, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:annpce:v:80:y:2009:i:4:p:521-545
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8292.2009.00397.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steven Van de Walle, 2006. "The impact of public service values on services of general interest reform debates," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(2), pages 183-205, June.
    2. H. Cremer & F. Gasmi & A. Grimaud & J. J. Laffont, 2001. "Universal Service: An economic perspective," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 72(1), pages 5-43, March.
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    1. Judith Clifton & Daniel Díaz-Fuentes & Marcos Fernández-Gutiérrez & Julio Revuelta, 2011. "The new regulation of public infrastructure services in the European Union. Challenges for territorial cohesion," ERSA conference papers ersa11p1416, European Regional Science Association.
    2. Judith Clifton & Daniel Díaz‐Fuentes & Marcos Fernández‐Gutiérrez & Julio Revuelta, 2011. "Is Market‐Oriented Reform Producing A ‘Two‐Track’ Europe? Evidence From Electricity And Telecommunications," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 82(4), pages 495-513, December.
    3. Marcos Fernández‐Gutiérrez & Oliver James & Sebastian Jilke, 2017. "Competition and switching in public service markets: Can they reduce inequalities?," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(1), pages 41-63, March.

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