Regulation—the application of arm’s length, independent control over performance—is increasingly used in a wide range of commercial and public sector contexts throughout the world. Since coming to power in 1997, the UK’s Labour Government has relied heavily upon regulatory interventions as a mechanism to improve quality and performance in health care.

This book is therefore a highly relevant and timely contribution to the literature. It is a comprehensive and authoritative work which illuminates the “Hydra-esque” nature …