Substance not spin

Why does policy succeed or fail? Nick Raynsford, a former MP, Minister and campaigner, tells us how it looks from the front line of policymaking. Based on his vast personal experience at the very heart of government and the voluntary sector, Raynsford explores what works and what doesn’t in making and implementing policy and legislation. He gives an ‘insider’s view’ on a range of events. some not previously made public, including the botched 1980s reform of Housing Benefit, the vacuum left by the 1986 abolition of the Greater London Council, the illfated 2002 Fire Service strike and subsequent reform programme, and fitful regeneration in the Thames Gateway in the 2000s. Bringing it right uptodate, he explores various devolution plans leading up to the socalled ‘Northern Powerhouse’. Offering solutions into how obstacles in policymaking and implementation can be overcome which will help to restore trust and muchneeded confidence in government and the political process, this is a fascinating bridge across the policy and practice divide.