The privatisation of public services has become increasingly common since the 1970s as corporations, backed by eager investors and persuaded or corrupt political elites, look to make a profit from as many parts of everyday life as possible. Privatisation, in one form or another, has been a common feature of the 'reform' packages that have been imposed across the world, from Pinochet’s coup in Chile in 1973 to the austerity packages forced onto much of Europe today. Water, gas, electricity, waste management, communications, healthcare, education, post, transport, welfare provision, nuclear power, swimming pools, government administration and prisons have all, to one extent or another, been opened up to private companies to manage or own.

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