The drive to privatise everything has led to consultants taking on the work of public servants. But at what cost?
PwC is under intense scrutiny after it was alleged the firm misused confidential government tax information for commercial gain. It is alleged that, after the firm advised the government on tougher tax laws, it then leaked the design of those laws to its clients – many of whom would be targeted by the proposed laws.
However, as the PwC scandal illustrates, the excessive use of consultants has very real implications for democratic decision-making.
Indeed, many experts argue the influx of consultants represents a shadow government that is plundering the public sector. Some go so far as to say that it represents private control over public policy.
It is therefore timely to consider why governments use consultants so much, why that might be a problem, and what we can do about it.
by Marty Bortz
11/08/2023