The effects of and reasons for the recent reforms in education, health and housing

Since 1979 the UK has experienced the most decisive break in the providing style and underlying principles of welfare provision since 1944 to 1948, or perhaps ever. This thesis provides an historical overview of the succession of Acts in regards to state education, health and housing. It looks at the effects of, and reasons for, the reforms in these areas, showing how these have changed each sectors' operational style and ethos. A close insight into the reforms is provided by surveys of head teachers of Grant-Maintained schools, chief executives of NHS trusts, directors of local government housing departments and chief executives of housing associations and of Local Government. The questionnaires investigated issues such as, finances, changes in their functions, effects upon staff and external relations and highlights benefits and disadvantages. In general these sectors have experienced the introduction of a quasi-market, via the separation of the provider, purchaser and enabler roles. The aim has been to increase competition and consumer power in the state sector. In reality, competition is expanding, but these welfare markets have been subjected to increased scrutiny and control from Central Government. The market ethos is spreading across the nation, and although many people who are living through it are unaware of the rapid changes, this period may be looked back upon in history as being the most radical and far-reaching alteration of British economic, social and political structures.