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Regulating Public Bodies: The Case of Direct Service Organisations in British Local Government

Author

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  • Rachel Ashworth

    (Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, Wales)

  • George A Boyne

    (Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, Wales)

  • Neil McGarvey

    (University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ, Scotland)

  • Richard M Walker

    (Department of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University, Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3WA, Wales)

Abstract

In recent years regulatory mechanisms and arrangements for public service organisations have become increasingly complex. In this paper we develop a theoretical framework that emphasises the potential importance of the following regulatory problems: regulatee resistance, ritualistic compliance, regulatory capture, performance ambiguity, and absence of performance data. This framework is applied to arrangements for the regulation of direct labour and direct service organisations in Scotland and Wales prior to the ‘Best Value’ regime. The results support the practical relevance of the analytical framework. Furthermore, whereas conventional perspectives suggest that the source of regulatory problems is the behaviour of regulatees, our evidence shows that the behaviour of regulators can also lead to regulatory failure; for example, through ritualistic compliance with procedures. The evidence also reveals a previously unidentified problem concerning a ‘fear of regulation’ on the part of regulators.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Ashworth & George A Boyne & Neil McGarvey & Richard M Walker, 2002. "Regulating Public Bodies: The Case of Direct Service Organisations in British Local Government," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 20(3), pages 455-470, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:20:y:2002:i:3:p:455-470
    DOI: 10.1068/c15m
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