Former communities secretary, Hazel Blears, has accused the Government of using social enterprises and mutuals as a cover for full-scale privatisation.
Speaking at an LGA event on the Localism Bill last week, Ms Blears said the Bill contained ‘a sub-plot which has remained largely hidden', adding: ‘I believe the plan for a community expression of interest is part of a much wider political project to fundamentally change the relationship between the citizen and state, public and private. It is supposed to be power to the people but what is does is create a catalyst for the procurement process to open up to a whole range of organisations, including the private sector. It is a convenient way of going on a journey to privatisation.
