The problem of policy formation

This chapter begins with a focus on the nature of the policy challenge. Is it necessary to examine the performance of a public sector in which the design and execution of its business is straightforward, or one in which the degree of difficulty is high? And how wicked really is the policy environment? A case study in homelessness is used to illustrate some of the critical dimensions of ‘wicked problems’ and the difficulties involved in delivering beneficial outcomes. The second part of the chapter considers what might reasonably be regarded as a ‘tame’ problem involving an important piece of government