"A first class introduction to the recent past for anyone intending to study this time period as well as for those simply wanting to check the pulse of the modern British state." LSE Review of Books
"An informed, engaging and accessible account of the 2010-15 Coalition government’s politics and policies, written by a strong team respected for their Social Policy expertise." Brian Lund, Manchester Metropolitan University
“This very timely collection is the first comprehensive analysis of the policies and politics of the UK coalition government. Leading commentators are dissecting rhetoric, actual spending and impact (where possible) of the coalition's policies.” Tina Haux, University of Kent

Hugh Bochel is Professor of Public Policy at the University of Lincoln. He has published widely in the fields of social and public policy, including editing `The Conservative Party and social policy’. Martin Powell is Professor of Health and Social Policy at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. He is the editor of several books exploring the New Labour governments and the British welfare state.