Introducing you to the public policy making process in Britain today, this book adopts an empirical approach to the study of policy making by relating theory to actual developments in Britain since the 1980s. It covers:
• Ideas, Problem Definition, Issues and Agenda-Setting
• Key Individuals
• Key Institutions
• Parliament and Public Policy Implementation
• The shift from Government to Governance (including marketization, and devolution)
• The increasing role of the private and voluntary sectors in policy delivery
• Internationalisation and Europeanization of policies and policy making
• Evaluation, audits and the New Public Management
Each chapter is enriched by recent real-life case studies and boxes illustrating key arguments, concepts and empirical developments. Taking into account the 2010 election and beyond, the book addresses current issues, developments and debates.
The result is a contemporary and engaging text that will be required reading for all students of British politics, public policy and public administration.
"This is an important analysis of the systems of British politics and the pressures it faces. This book sets a clear course for the reader, and presents a range of political debates in a logical, concise, and highly readable manner."
Dr Andrew Crines
"Most of the key texts in this complex area of the discipline, including Dorey′s first edition, are now well out of date. So the arrival of this carefully updated, eminently concise yet highly readable second edition from Peter Dorey is greatly to be welcomed."
Professor Bill Jones
"Combining a judicious discussion of theoretical perspectives with a masterly analysis of empirical evidence, Policy Making in Britain has been a key resource for serious students of UK politics since its first appearance in 2006. The new edition covers subsequent developments, updates the guidance on further reading and provides very useful questions for group discussion. Professor Dorey deserves
