Substance Not Spin: An Insider's View of Success and Failure in Government

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 ill-fated 2002 Fire Service strike and subsequent reform programme, and fitful regeneration in the Thames Gateway in the 2000s.

Bringing it right up-to-date, he explores various devolution plans leading up to the so-called ‘Northern Powerhouse’.

Offering solutions as to how obstacles in policymaking and implementation can be overcome which will help to restore trust and much-needed confidence in government and the political process, this is a fascinating bridge across the policy and practice divide.

Nick Raynsford served as Labour MP for Fulham and later Greenwich for over twenty years. Between 1997 and 2005 he was Minister with responsibility for London, Housing, Planning, Construction and Local Government. He was Director of Shelter Housing Aid Centre 1976-86. He is an Hon. Fellow of RIBA, RTPI and ICE.