A review by atnmitch
Private Island: How the UK Was Sold by James Meek

3.0

Somewhat disappointing, it's very well written and the stories are engrossing but it lacks something towards the economics. It's evident from what we read that the management of these privatised companies is either incompetent or negligent towards the operation of the companies, less so in favour of profits; but I think what could have been explored is the class interests that motivated the privatisations. I think this where the fact that the book is adapted from separate articles hits its limitation, as there is no common thread which links all these desparate privatisations, where the transfer of assets from public to private ownership, and guaranteeing the latter an income based on monopoly.
Some good analysis in the afterword which I wish were expanded upon as a more general look at the way these monopoly industries privatisation has not had the adverised effect, and that the privatisation essentially changed the tax recipient, and removes the potential progressive aspect of taxation.