Coordination in the United Kingdom (1980–2005)

Abstract

The British administration is characterized by a considerable number of reforms that have taken place during the 25 years up to 2005, under both the Conservative governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major, and under the rule of the Labour government of Tony Blair. Although a certain degree of continuity in the styles of reform is discernable throughout this era, each period of government encompasses specific approaches with regard to the search for a more coordinated and coherent public sector. Therefore, the analytic task is to distinguish common patterns of change from the particular approach of each government.

This chapter has been fully re-written and edited by Eva Beuselinck, to whom we are most thankful for this contribution.