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This article examines how the UK undertakes regular programme reviews. It shows how these reviews are carried out, particularly with regard to the performance of public policies. Performance is understood in the wide sense of the term, which even includes the utility of the policy in question. It shows that measuring performance is a long-standing and deeply-rooted concern in UK administrative culture, for which it is a necessary means of ensuring accountability. Nevertheless, the instruments used for conducting programme reviews and related performance measurement are not all as effective or useful as one another.