The Administrative 'Revolution' in Whitehall

A Study of the Politics of Administrative Change in British Central Government Since the 1950s

G. K. Fry

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2026
• Print ISBN:
  9781041305330
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9781040916322
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Comparative Politics
• Index: Politics & International Relations

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• 1. THE ADMINISTRATIVE ‘REVOLUTION’
• 2. THE ORIGINS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ‘REVOLUTION’
• 3. THE MACHINERY OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PURSUIT OF ‘NATIONAL EFFICIENCY’
• 4. TRYING TO MANAGE THE ECONOMY
• 5. FAILING TO CONTROL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE
• 6. PICKING UP THE LOSERS?: THE STATE AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR
• 7. STEERING TO BE UNIVERSAL PROVIDER: EDUCATION AND ITS SOCIAL SERVICES
• 8. SEARCHING FOR THE BEST FORM OF DEFENCE
• 9. CHANGING THE GUARDIANS: THE REFORM OF OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION
• 10. CHANGING THE GUARDIANS: THE REFORM OF THE HOME CIVIL SERVICE
• 11. GUARDING THE GUARDIANS: THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION
• 12. ‘THE PARTY IS OVER’
• SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
• INDEX