Abstract: | This paper is concerned with policy adaptation and policy design in the public sector. The author commences with examples from UK experience relating to policy, initially using the local authority structure plans as an illustration. He then develops three assertions: that (1) turbulence undermines policy; (2) complexity undermines policy and (3) responsiveness undermines policy. Subsequently he discusses ways in which policy development may make a positive contribution to public planning, taking account of these realities. |