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Max,
You might want to solicit some comments from our American colleagues. My understanding is that non-profits can be just as rapacious as for profits, although
this is not an argument for for-proftis, of course.
Best,
Adam
From: The European Health Policy Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Max Hotopf
Sent: 10 October 2014 09:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Sweden: "Our common approach to gain in welfare" - a radical agenda
Any thoughts?
Members of the group might be interested in a short summary of a four page report setting out the views of the new minority Social Democrat govt in Sweden who took office in Sept 2014. The SDs have won support for their budget from The Left and the Greens by
promising to take action against for profit companies in care, education and healthcare.
These sectors have seen a huge growth in for-profit operators in Sweden, which is often portrayed (by the Right) as a role model for the UK.
This is set out in a four page report: Our common approach to gain in welfare. A commission will report back with findings on how to take this forward by March 2016.
The report is uncompromising, stating the following:
"We are not consumers in relation to welfare but citizens....we believe that taxpayer money should be used precisely for the business for which it is intended and that surpluses as a rule should be reinvested
in the business.
Profit hunting in welfare should be stopped...The commercialisation of welfare has led to and increased need for control and audit, creating a waste of resources and inefficiencies....
Our parties are agreed that the pursuit of gain should be removed from the welfare sector.
If the owners of a business continue to take large profits from taxpayers money then we will proceed to take further action.
We will strongly limit the ability to make a profit, even at sale.
The inquiry will consider staffing requirements. To reduce employee numbers is one of the easiest ways to keep down costs. Private actors will not be able to reduce staffing to make a profit.
Non-commercial players (will be given) an opportunity to grow."
They also want to revise the LOV of Freedom of Choice rule which enables individuals to choose.
"Forced LOV in primary care has led to a systematic defrauding of taxpayers in which profitable areas have been prioiritised at the expense of others. New laws will enable municipalities to adapt LOV to citizens
needs and availability." Municipalities should also be able to select only "non-commercial entities".
Whether this will actually be implemented remains to be seen. The parties fo the left will be dependent on the Swedish Democrats (IE the Swedish equivalent of UKIP) to implement this. They have said that they
back the proposals so long as they don't destry patient choice.