This book explores the effects of devolution on the policy process, policy substance and policy outcomes in the United Kingdom, Spain and Belgium. It examines the scope for policy innovation within devolved governments, and considers the political and policy interdependence that remains between governments at each level of the state.

Are political and socio-economic issues handled in a radically different manner in a federal Canada than a devolved Britain? To what extent in both states have administrative arrangements and developments in public policy begun to by-pass constitutional forms and debates? Are the real loci of power in each better identified by 'following the money' than by constitutional and legal provisions? If the arrangements between the state capitals and the constituent parts of Canada and Britain are becoming more ad hoc, individual and varied, what problems does this pose for the continuing cohesion of...