By Gerry StokerThis book presents a detailed analysis of the new management of public services at the local level, drawing on the work of the ESRC Local Governance Programme. The radical transformation of public service delivery is assessed in terms of its overall impact as well as its operation in particular service areas. 

The New Deal for Young People, aged 18-24, has moved 250,000 off welfare and into work. This is the target figure for one of the Government’s five key manifesto pledges. Youth unemployment is now at its lowest level since the mid seventies.Young people joining New Deal first enter a Gateway period lasting up to 4 months, during which time the Employment Service work with them to improve their employability and search for unsubsidised jobs. 

The Post Office, described in a Cabinet Office report as a ’sleeping giant’ has responded to the wake up call with a plan to trial ‘one stop’ government shops. The postmaster will become a Government General Practitioner with a role, similar to a medical GP, by providing a gateway to central and local government services. They will offer low level advice and information on benefits, welfare, council housing, employment and education.