The cost of privatisation.

Mynight said:
It's not like we can really buy it back now. So what's done is done surely?
Click to expand...

"Nationalization may occur with or without compensation to the former owners".

I think that water, electricity, gas, BT Openreach and railways should be taken over without compensation. Once nationalised there would be far more investment in fibre internet, cleaner tap water, greener power plants and high speed rail instead of maximising profits for private individuals.
 
But then Britain would get a bad anti buisness rep and could cause us issues in the long run. Add in the governments ineptitude at different levels it's surely a bad idea?
 
OldCoals said:
I think it is pretty obvious I don't think it is good thing.
Click to expand...

Why is it only a bad idea when concerning ex-state own businesses?

If you don't agree with profits leaving to country per se, the only solution is to nationalise everything.

There are good reasons for public ownership. But to prevent profits leaving the country isn't high up on the list.

Mynight said:
It's not like we can really buy it back now. So what's done is done surely?
Click to expand...

It's perfectly possible to reverse privatisation. Railtrack was renationalised.
 
Last edited:
PanMaster said:
"Nationalization may occur with or without compensation to the former owners".

I think that water, electricity, gas, BT Openreach and railways should be taken over without compensation. Once nationalised there would be far more investment in fibre internet, cleaner tap water, greener power plants and high speed rail instead of maximising profits for private individuals.
Click to expand...

How do you figure that if they were Government run that they would be better invested in? The government is making massive cuts in almost all sectors at the moment, why would these particular establishments be immune from that?
 
ci_newman said:
How do you figure that if they were Government run that they would be better invested in? The government is making massive cuts in almost all sectors at the moment, why would these particular establishments be immune from that?
Click to expand...

That's not really a plus point for private utilities is it? Saying Govt. doesn't / can't / won't invest in the things it should do?

Would you rather we privatised the road systems because of the pot holes?

Private companies are just as guilty of under investment in infrastructure. Especially in downturns and even more especially in projects that don't turn a quick buck.
 
Last edited:
inogen said:
That's not really a plus point for private utilities is it? Saying Govt. doesn't / can't / won't invest in the things it should do?

Would you rather we privatised the road systems because of the pot holes?

Private companies are just as guilty of under investment in infrastructure. Especially in downturns and even more especially in projects that don't turn a quick buck.
Click to expand...

Except that those utilities mentioned (gas / water / Openreach) ARE investing in their infrastructure.

OR are still rolling out fibre, gas companies are rolling out smart meters etc.

In the current climate, those sectors are working better as privatised entities.
 
ci_newman said:
Except that those utilities mentioned (gas / water / Openreach) ARE investing in their infrastructure.

OR are still rolling out fibre, gas companies are rolling out smart meters etc.

In the current climate, those sectors are working better as privatised entities.
Click to expand...

They're rolling out fibre / smart meters etc cos they're being legislated and financially incentivised by Govt. At least that is part of it. They're certainly not doing these things because they're private companies.
 
inogen said:
They're rolling out fibre / smart meters etc cos they're being legislated and financially incentivised by Govt. At least that is part of it. They're certainly not doing these things because they're private companies.
Click to expand...

fibre is more because customers are moving to the people who do provide it over them if they don't
 
I'm pretty sure (not sure at all) the UK and UK companies probably also own a fair chunk of many other countries infrastructures and industry across the globe.

isn't this all part of the strange tapestry of modern globalisation?

Where's Dolph when you need him ? Cant Castiel read up on wiki about Privatisation and state ownership and argue the thread into Ad nauseam??
 
It's almost a paradox, do you want the idiots who decided to sell the Post Office for less than its really worth to be running the Post Office?

Also I can tell you from experience that the power companies are still very badly run behind the scenes. The lack of financial control is staggering.
 
wesimmo said:
It's almost a paradox, do you want the idiots who decided to sell the Post Office for less than its really worth to be running the Post Office?
Click to expand...

What, like Facebook? They obviously undervalued their stock when they floated and the decision makers (who still work there) are incapable of running the business.....
 
Tefal said:
fibre is more because customers are moving to the people who do provide it over them if they don't
Click to expand...

Bit simplistic that. The whole infrastructure upgrade has been going on for decades and has been directed by central government. We wouldn't be where we're at if left to private enterprise. they'd be perfectly happy to sell us dialup for £20 a month.
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30368525

London's Dockland's Light Railway (DLR) is now being operated by French transport group Keolis.

The group, a joint venture led by the SNCF subsidiary and the Spanish-owned UK services group Amey, started running the DLR on Sunday.

Serco, who held the franchise for 17 years from 1997, lost the £700m contract to Keolis in July.

Transport for London (TfL) said passengers would see a series of service improvements.
Click to expand...

And another one gone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom