Decision-making processes for effective policy implementation

Hunter, D.J. and Marks, L.: 2002

This background paper is concerned with the implementation of policy and with how decisions do, or do not, get made. The government insists that the policy framework is clear and unambiguous and that what is required is effective implementation. ‘Delivery, delivery, delivery’ is the mantra, not lack of sound policy. A first question, therefore, is how far national policy aspirations (including the two national inequalities targets) translate into clear policy guidelines which are meaningful at a local level. This provides the context in which local decision-making takes place.