The changing role of independent regulators

Over the past few decades the creation of independent regulatory authorities has led to a significant delegation of power from governments to agencies.The factors driving delegation are around policy credibility; complexity or expertise. There are other factors, non-functional factors, also driving delegation. These are influenced by political traditions; the role of the European Union, and blame-shifting. This book examines the delegation process in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. It examines Telecommunications and specifically the delegation of radio spectrum management. This book highlights the importance of the non-functional factors in the decision to delegate. Non-functional factors differ at a national level. In some cases blame shifting is a factor, in others it is not. Political traditions can act both for and against delegation, depending on the political culture. The importance of the European Union is reinforced and is considered a key driver behind the creation of independent agencies.