A presentation of the development of the welfare state in the UK. Looking at both historical processes and the welfare system's current state, the contributors to this volume provide an authoritative analysis.

Each chapter is summarised in an in brief section at the end, and has a further reading list. Illustrated with approximately 150 figures and tables, the book presents a substantial amount of quantitative information (much of which comes from Local and Central Government sources) in accessible formats. The book contains a substantial bibliography, including many government papers as well as published books and journal articles. The book can therefore be used as a bibliographical database, besides functioning as a textbook. The State of Welfare functions as an ideal text for public economics students, or those studying social or public policy.

List of Tables
List of Figures
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. New beginnings and old continuities
3. Education: Reaping the Harvest?
4. The National Health Service: crisis, change or continuity?
5. Housing: A decent home within the reach of every family?
6. The personal social services
7. Social Security: Dismantling the pyramids?
8. Welfare with the lid on
Bibliography
Index