Month: December 2010

The housing policy jigsaw – the changing picture

[Originally posted on Liberal Democrat Voice, 31/12/10] I started this discussion of current developments in policy towards housing by noting that it is an area in which the tensions in inherent in balancing “the fundamental values of freedom, equality and community” are absolutely central. Housing policy needs to […]

Alex’s Archives – Most read posts 2010

Here’s the list of the top half dozen posts since I began this blog in October 2010, starting with the most frequently visited: The poverty of Nick Clegg’s “new” progressives Exit, voice, loyalty: what’s a Libdem to do? A fairer future or no future for social housing? The […]

Piecing together the housing policy jigsaw

[Originally posted on Liberal Democrat Voice, 28/12/10] The Coalition government is seemingly intent upon drowning us in a blizzard of consultation papers, green papers, white papers, and hasty legislation. No doubt there is also a bit of kite flying taking place for good measure. One problem with all […]

Mr Ed’s Team Invisible

Yesterday LabourList posted the results of their most recent survey of approval ratings for members of the Shadow Cabinet. While it would be unwise to place too much weight on such figures, they gave me cause to reflect on the current state of the political game. The survey […]

What a relief!

[Originally posted on Bristol Running Resource, 23/12/10] Finally managed to get out the door for a run today – first time in a fortnight. Obviously the weather hasn’t been great for running. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t usually put me off. I find something vaguely […]

Analysing policy change: institutions and ideas

[Originally posted on The Policy Press Blog, 23/12/10] The analysis of continuity and change is a preoccupation for scholars of the policy process. While a range of frameworks have been proposed, it would be fair to say that institutionalist approaches are currently flavour of the month. A long-standing […]

Frickin’ Bureaucrats

The current government is engaged in substantial reorganisations in many parts of the public sector. Frequently these changes are not following up on commitments made at the General Election. Some embody changes that were, indeed, explicitly ruled out. But I think we’ve now learnt the value of such […]