New Labour's Policy Style: A mix of Policy Approaches

Article by Trine P. Larsen, Peter Taylor-Gooby & Johannes Kananen

This article reviews the policy process behind recent welfare reforms and considers the policy styles used in a broad range of social policy areas on the basis of interviews with leading policy actors. It argues that a mix of policy-making methods is currently being used, ranging from the classic top-down approach, through the use of external commissions to a more bottom-up approach, where policy is to a large degree designed by external groups. The type of policy and the power relations between key actors and the government determine the approach. Indeed, this shows a different perception of British policy-making, as the inclusive approach contrasts sharply with the traditional directive Westminster model.

Authors: Trine P. Larsen, FAOS, Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen; Peter Taylor-Gooby, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent; Johannes Kananen, Centre for Nordic Studies, Helsinki.

Article in Journal of Social Policy, vol 35, no. 4, p. 629-649, 2006.