The Administrative 'Revolution' in Whitehall

In the latter half of the twentieth century, an administrative revolution took place in British central government, which few parts of central government, from the Treasury downwards, escaped. Originally published in 1981, this book provides a comprehensive, analytical review of these changes. It relates them to the context of policy changes, and poses the question, what did this ‘orgy of reform’ actually achieve? The author maintains that the basic aim of the reformers was to create new administrative machinery which would halve Britain’s economic decline, find a new role in the world for post-Imperial Britain and lead to a new, more positive role for the State within Britain. He argues convincingly that although some reforms were useful in themselves, others were not, and that the basic aim of the reformers met with failure. At a time when there is much scrutiny of the British Civil Service, this classic book has an enduring relevance.