By Sky News
Private firms could be encouraged to take over almost all public services under plans being put forward by prime minister David Cameron.
He said a presumption that private firms, voluntary groups and charities were allowed to run services would free the Government up from repeated legislation.
Due to be outlined in a White Paper within the next fortnight, the plans could allow non-public providers to run schools, hospitals and council services, like parks and adult care.
Mr Cameron's article in The Daily Telegraph said outside providers would be offered payment-by-results contracts, increasing their earnings as the quality of services improve.
The PM wrote: "We will create a new presumption - backed up by new rights for public service users and a new system of independent adjudication - that public services should be open to a range of providers competing to offer a better service.
"Of course, there are some areas - like national security services or the judiciary - where this wouldn't make sense. But everywhere else should be open to real diversity."
Mr Cameron said the changes would release the public sector from "the grip of state control", ending the era of "old-fashioned, top-down, take-what-you're-given" services.
While the Government hopes the plan will reduce bureaucracy, improve quality and save money, it is certain to be opposed by Labour, the unions and many users of public services.
Critics of privatisation claim private firms inevitably prioritise financial concerns above the quality of public services.
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