This book investigates the political forces shaping urban policy in Britain during a pivotal era. It examines critical policy domains including land use, housing, transportation, and economic location, seeking to understand the adoption of specific policies by analyzing the influence of political parties, bureaucrats, and interest groups on the national agenda. The work situates policy within broader economic and social contexts, questioning the feasibility of a cohesive national urban policy under prevailing constraints. Its focus on the political parties' role in urban change at the dawn of the Thatcher era makes it particularly relevant for students of urban sociology and planning history.

As a Routledge Revival, this 1979 publication offers a historical perspective on urban policy formation. The book's detailed examination of policy areas and the political actors involved provides a valuable case study for understanding urban change. Its focus on the early Thatcher era positions it as a significant text for those studying the history of planning and urban sociology. The republication ensures continued access to its insights on policy development within specific socio-economic constraints.