Partnerships, New Labour and the governance of welfare

UK government policy encourages "partnerships" - between statutory organisations and professionals; public and private sectors; with voluntary organisations and local communities. But is this collaborative discourse really as distinctive as the Labour Government claims? How far do contemporary partnerships exemplify an approach to governing which is based on networks (as distinct from hierarchies and markets)? These claims are critically examined in this book using evidence from a wide range of welfare partnerships, including health and social services, regeneration, pensions and community development. "Partnerships, New Labour and the Governance of Welfare": provides a critical analysis of partnerships; addresses the theme of "partnerships" as the means of achieving joined-up government; presents empirical evidence from a wide range of welfare partnerships; examines the relationships between local welfare partnerships; the management of those partnerships by central government; and reveals the imbalance of power which characterises many contemporary partnerships. It is aimed at academics and students of contemporary social and public policy and those with an interest in networks and other theories of welfare governance.