Abstract:

This paper analyses the growth of research commissioned by local authorities in Britain and how these have been used to stimulate changes in working practices within the relevant authority. It looks at the political and financial background against which this development of research has been set, before moving on to examine changes introduced by a number of authorities following research. The paper then goes on to examine examples from other councils, contrasting these with Richmond's use of research. Overall, the paper shows clearly how survey research can be put to practical use by local authorities and play a valuable role in the field of social policy.