Different policies, Different attitudes? John Curtice Strathclyde University/NatCen
Key Question zMarked difference in approach to public service provision between England and Wales/Scotland. yChoice/diversity of provision yCo-Payment zDoes difference reflect differences in public attitudes? zOr is difference created by devolution?
Evidence zSurveys of public opinion in all four parts of the UK in 2007 zBritish Social Attitudes (2,022; 1,735 in E) zScottish Social Attitudes (1,508) zNorthern Ireland Life & Times (1,179) zSpecial Welsh survey (884)
A Common Presumption zWales/Scotland more left-wing than England. zSo less likely to favour private provision, co-payment and, perhaps, choice. zBut do attitudes fit a left-right framework?
The arguments - 1 zChoice yExercised more effectively by middle class yPromoting it means working class choose too zDiversity yPrivate profit at taxpayers’ expense yEssential if choice to be effective
The arguments - 2 zCo-Payment yEnsure nobody denied service because of inability to pay yFree service is subsidy to the middle class zDo contradictory arguments mean politics matters?
Choice of Hospital
Choice of School
Private companies run state schools?
Private companies run NHS hospitals?
Private companies provide personal care?
Choice and Markets?
Left/Right and Choice
Left/Right and Private Provision
Average Left/Right Score
Hospital Choice, L/R and Country
Private Hospitals, L/R and Country
Different Competition - Private Cos run Hospitals
Different Competition - Private Cos run Schools
Attitudes to Co-Payment - 1
Attitudes to Co-Payment - 2
Left/Right and Co-Pay - 1
Left/Right and Co-Pay - 2
Different Competition - Prescription Charges
Different Competition - Tuition Fees
Conclusion zDifferences of attitude generally less than differences of policy zSuch differences as exist not a result of more ‘left-wing’ values in Wales/Scotland zAttitudes not structured as often assumed zDifferences of policy do reflect differences in party competition - generated by devolution