Inspectorates in British Government

Inspection is one of the oldest forms of governmental influence and control. Yet the process had been largely neglected in studies of British government. Originally published in 1981, this study examines two of its major, long-standing aims: to enforce statutory provisions and to ensure defined standards of performance. At a time of growing interest in the performance of public authorities, Inspectorates in British Government showed that enforcement by central departments and local authorities had greatly expanded in relation to efficiency inspection. Does inspection still have a role in British government? Are there other more effective ways of achieving its objectives? These are some of the critical issues…