Public Services

In this course, explore what the public services are, looking in particular at examples such as the emergency services and the NHS. You will understand their important role in UK society.

Introduction

A public service is an organisation funded through taxpayer’s money, providing assistance to citizens across many different sectors. Tax is a system where a country collects a portion of the wages of all its citizens, usually to reinvest in benefits for the state.

The UK has several such organisations, including the NHS, emergency services, schools and colleges, and job and advice centres.

We collectively refer to the sector in which the public services are located as the public sector. Most government departments and functions are located in the public sector as they are funded by taxpayers’ money for the benefit of everyone.

You will learn 

1. Know some of the different public services in the UK
2. Understand the role public services play in UK society
3. Know why public services in the UK are important
4. Know how you can support the work of the UK public services