Social economy and private providers
In a shift away from public control, private delivery of goods and services, social enterprise and club service providers have flourished. They seem to offer a new alternative that bridges the gap between the rights-driven public services model and the profit-driven private sector.
Many public goods and services can be provided by clubs or social enterprises, from management of communal swimming pools, to security services, roads and infrastructure.
These models promote private investment in services. And by offering private private answers to public questions, they encourage and empower neighborhoods to solve their own problems. However, these approaches also lead to fragmentation, making co-operation more difficult.
Councils need to reach beyond their boundaries and address regional concerns with neighbouring authorities. Regional clubs or groups are often focused on addressing a single issue, such as transportation, energy, or water, when a broader look at all public services is required to address the challenges of sustainable, comprehensive planning. In the community, these clubs can privilege property owners.