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

Woodward, Richard.; Lee, Simon.

doi:10.1111/1467-9302.00329

Authors

Dr Simon Lee S.D.Lee@hull.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer/ Faculty Ethics Committee

Richard Woodward

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
Institution 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