Abstract

This paper outlines a new way of approaching issues of policy implementation, concerned mainly with the mediation of power and influence through networks of social relations. The paper focuses in particular on housing policy dealing with the relationship between social housing landlords and their tenants in England and Wales, and the implementation of that policy by housing officers. National and local governments are identified as the key initiators of such policy, involving attempts to regulate and reform the landlord-tenant relationship. The paper argues that the closeness required to ensure effective mediation can perhaps be achieved only at the level of a housing estate or small locality, and that those representing the roles defined by regulation (for example, 'landlord' and 'tenant') are in the best position to mediate the regulated interaction. This argument is supported by evidence from research carried out into estate agreements.