Introduction

Many countries in the early 21st century are wrestling with regulation. Continuous calls for a ‘high quality regulation’ agenda fill political chat show programmes. Regulation is said to be out-dated, poorly framed, too punitive and too prescriptive. Environmental groups complain that regulatory approaches are too loose. Public transport has witnessed major difficulties, while the media have voiced disquiet over the rise of a new type of ‘monster dog’ and the quality of care home oversight. Business interests are complaining about the lack of social order in general and are urging their national governments to consider alternatives to regulation in order to cut ‘red tape’. Regulators have come under attack for being both too responsive to political demands and for acting too autonomously.