Implementing the Third Way: The Delivery of Public Services under the Blair Government

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 center’ 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.