What is the power of the Treasury in controlling the policies and development of the welfare state? Drawing on in-depth interviews with officials of the Treasury and the spending departments, this book traces the developing role of the Treasury in setting social policy, especially under Gordon Brown's chancellorship. It reveals the tense relationship within Whitehall as the Treasury tries to set the Government's strategy but is resisted by spending ministers and officials.

What is the power of the Treasury in controlling the policies and development of the welfare state? Drawing on in-depth interviews with officials of the Treasury and the spending departments, this book traces the developing role of the Treasury in setting social policy, especially under Gordon Brown's chancellorship.