Public-Private Partnerships: A UK case study

Partnerships between the state and organized civil society are examined in one area of policy, 'social exclusion', in one part of the United Kingdom, England. The question of the various ojective served by partnership working is explored, followed by a review of the policy context at national and local level and the changes introduced by the Labour Government elected in 1997. The work of the Social Exclusion Unit is then reviewed, critical issues identified and performance evaluated. A lack of connectedness is diagnosed and a number of explanations - and potential remedies - considered.