The New Labour government elected in May 1997 claimed that it would modernise the welfare state, by rejecting the solutions of both the Old Left and the New Right. New Labour, new welfare state? provides the first comprehensive examination of the social policy of New Labour; compares and contrasts current policy areas with both the Old Left and the New Right and applies the concept of the 'third way' to individual policy areas and to broader themes which cut across policy areas. The contributors provide a comprehensive account of developments in the main policy areas and in the themes of citizenship and accountability, placing these within a wider framework of the 'third way'. They find a complex picture. Although the exact shape of the new welfare state is difficult to detect, it is clear that there have been major changes in areas such as citizenship, the mixed economy of welfare, the centrality of work in an active welfare state, and the appearance of new elements such as joined up government at the centre and new partnerships of governance at the periphery. New Labour, new welfare state? provides topical information on the debate on the future of the welfare state and is essential reading for students and researchers in social policy, politics and sociology.

About the Author
Martin Powell is a Professor of Health and Social Policy at the University of Birmingham. Martin's main research interest is in the British welfare state, especially the NHS. He has written or edited some 19 books, including some being translated into Chinese, Korean, and Polish. He has written over 80 peer reviewed articles, and he is a former editor of the journal `Social Policy and Administration'.

Reviews
"This very substantial book ... gives a comprehensive account of the social welfare policies of the Labour government" Labour Research
"There probably isn't another assessment as comprehensive as this available." New Labour Organiser
"No reading list on contemporary British social policy should be without it!" Ruth Lister
"Books which deal comprehensively and yet critically with the New Labour government's third way for welfare reform will quickly become required reading for all students of social policy. This collection achieves both of these goals and is therefore deserving of such wide attention." Pete Alcock
"... packed with information ... it can be used as a valuable reference book." Labour Research



Book Information
ISBN 9781861341518
Author Martin Powell
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Policy Press