Politics UK

Eleventh Edition

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Chapter 22

The policy-making process

Chapter Summary

Policy can be defined as either rules and regulations or public expenditure and its distribution. There are various theories about or models of policymaking, including the pluralist, corporatist, ruling-class and Whitehall models, plus the rational choice and incrementalist perspectives on decision-making. Policy can be seen to pass through three stages: initiation, formulation and implementation. ‘Core’ decision-makers have a constant control of the process, but elements from the ‘periphery’ are brought in from time to time. The concept of policy networks is useful in analysing policymaking. Extra-parliamentary parties and think tanks can have considerable influence, depending on the issue and the situation. Implementation can be very difficult and result in policy objectives being missed or even reversed. Policymakers face many restraints upon their actions, including timing, coordination and international events.

Learning Objectives

  • To define policy in government.
  • To encourage familiarity with the most popular models of policy-making.
  • To examine the notion of the policy process.
  • To give some examples of problematic policy-making.
  • To consider reform of decision-making at the centre of government

Quizzes

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Discussion Questions

  1. The pluralist and corporatist models suggest different levels of influence for interest groups in shaping public policy. To what extent do pressure groups and think tanks influence government decisions in the UK, and should their role be limited?
  2. Many government policies fail to achieve their intended outcomes due to constraints such as financial limitations, political resistance, and administrative challenges. What are some recent examples of policy successes and failures in the UK, and what lessons can be learned from them?

Fabian Society – A socialist think tank influencing Labour Party policy. (www.fabian-society.org.uk)

Demos – A cross-party think tank researching public policy and democracy. (www.demos.co.uk)

Catalyst – A policy research organization focused on social and economic equality. (www.catalystforum.org.uk)

10 Downing Street – The official site of the UK Prime Minister’s office. (www.number10.gov.uk)

NO2ID – A campaign group opposing ID card schemes and government surveillance. (www.no2id.net)

Institute for Global Change – A think tank founded by Tony Blair, focusing on globalization and policy reform. (https://www.institute.global/)

Flashcards

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