ABSTRACT
In Soviet times, a comprehensive network of public services developed o f which every citizen could profit, often free o f charge. The system included not only a developed educational and health care system but also pre-school facilities for children, school meals, a system of specialised schools, holiday resorts, cheap tickets for cultural events, very low tariffs for public transport, very low payment for rent and housing services and so on. The state could pay for it because it paid citizens lower salaries.
