Quasi-Markets: An Overview and Analysis

This paper examines the nature of quasi-markets and their significance for the delivery of public services. The nature of quasi-markets is outlined, along with the rationale for their use in the reform of the public services. That theoretical account is then complemented by more concrete discussions of example of quasi-markets, drawn from the United Kingdom. The conditions that must hold if quasi-markets are to be successful in improving efficiency in the public services are then considered, after which their implications for equity are explored.