The rise of the regulatory state in Britain

The article assesses the present state of regulation in the United Kingdom. It identifies the nature of the regulatory state, and explains how it diff ers from earlier forms of state intervention. It describes the institutiona l outlines of regulation in both the public and private sectors. It sketche s the transformation of self-regulation, and the rise of social regulation. It explains the main forces behind the rise of regulation, stressing chang ed popular expectations and growing sensitivity to risk. It summarises the main problems of the regulatory state, and contemplates its future.