Discusses the Scottish policy process in wider UK and European context A critical challenge to Scotland's new system of government is the making and implementation of public policy. This book offers a comprehensive account of the policy process in contemporary Scotland. It identifies the key actors and institutions, patterns of policy making, and the extent of convergence and divergence in comparison with England and other devolved territories. Case studies of policy making in urban and rural policy, education, social inclusion and economic development allow the reader to see how policy making works in practice. There is an analysis of financial planning and decision making, and an examination of Scotland's role in UK and European policy networks. Comparisons are made with other devolved governments in Europe and beyond. The book is based on extensive research, including interviews with leaders of interest groups, politicians and officials across the Scottish Executive and in the Scottish Parliament, an analysis of spending patterns, an examination of the legislative output, and case studies of policy making.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; Policy making in complex systems; Scotland, the historical legacy, Policy making before devolution; The devolution settlement. Division of powers and relationships with London.; 2. The political context; Public opinion in Scotland and policy questions; Political parties, ideology and interests; Policy communities, interest groups and mobilization; 3. The policy process in government; The Scottish Executive. Departments and Cabinet; The Scottish Parliament. The legislative process, Committees; The civil service; Cross-cutting policies; 4. Intergovernmental policy making; Relations with UK departments; Horizontal relations, Wales and Northern Ireland; European policy making; 5. Getting and Spending; The block funding formula; Other income sources; Allocating resources within Scotland. Analysis of spending priorities; EU funding; 6. Case Studies of policy making; Education; Urban policy; Health; Social inclusion; Economic development; 7. Conclusion. Divergence and convergence; Analysis of legislative outputs, Scotland and England; Types of policy; Patterns of convergence and divergence; Scotland in comparative context.

Author Biography

Michael Keating is Professor of Regional Studies at the European University Institute, Florence and Professor of Scottish Politics at the University of Aberdeen.