Public loss, private gain

What happens when a government pursues an ideologically motivated programme of austerity measures, cutting funding to a whole range of welfare services? First, the poorest and most vulnerable in society suffer the consequences. And second, the corporate vultures swoop in, attracted by the smell of money-making opportunities. The NHS is the most obvious example, but, as a new book by Ray Jones underscores, the same process of stealth privatisation has been occurring within children's services.