Policy Press

Governance and Public Policy in Wales

Promise and Performance Since Devolution

By Jonathan Bradbury and Andrew Davies

Published

Nov 1, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529209518

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 1, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529209532

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Governance and Public Policy in Wales

Written by leading experts in the field, this book provides a comprehensive account of devolved politics and government in Wales and the powers and policy of the National Assembly.

Set in historical context, the book covers the broad range of governance and policy responsibilities since 1999 and the key problems they have sought to address. In doing so, it assesses the extent to which Welsh devolution has both addressed perceived governance problems cause by the over-centralisation of the UK state, and solved long-term issues of public policy in Wales.

Jonathan Bradbury is Professor of Politics in the Department of Political and Cultural Studies at Swansea University.

Andrew Davies is Chairman of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and a former Welsh Government Minister.

Introduction

Democracy, Party Politics and Governance

Government, Civil Society and Governance

Economic Development

Health and Social Care

Local Government and Public Services

Education

Sustainability, Energy and the Environment

Equality, Rights and Culture

Wales’ Voice in Europe

Conclusion: Promise and Performance in Perspective