Implementing the third way: the delivery of public services under the Blair government

Lee, Simon; Woodward, Richard

Abstract

This article focuses on the implementation of the Blair governments' agenda for the delivery of public services in England. A distinctive approach to policy is identified which has effectively nationalized the implementation process in England. This has been achieved by a move from negotiated discretion towards centralized prescription in resource allocation by the Treasury; the construction of a 'new centre', for joined-up and integrated policy-making; and the application of the principle of 'earned autonomy' to the delivery of public services' reform. Devolution has been confined to the delegation of responsibility for delivering services within a centrally-defined national framework.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2002-10
• Journal: PUBLIC MONEY & MANAGEMENT
• Print ISSN: 0954-0962
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-9302
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 49-56
• APA6 Citation: Lee, S., & Woodward, R. (2002). Implementing the third way: the delivery of public services under the Blair government. Public money & management, 22(4), (49-56). doi:10.1111/1467-9302.00329. ISSN 0954-0962
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9302.00329
• Keywords: General Business, Management and Accounting; Sociology and Political Science; Public Administration