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For the many vulnerable people who need the support of social services their expansion and improvement in recent years has been one of the most important developments in the Welfare State. Central government and local authorities have together put great effort into bringing about these changes. And central and local tax payers have seen a large increase in their cost.
The Government considers that if social services are to build on their past record it is desirable to make a number of changes and improvements in the structures and roles of social services departments so that they can focus more clearly on their essential tasks. These changes, along with very important improvements to the arrangements for safeguarding vulnerable people through regulation, are explained in this White Paper. We hope that it will be widely discussed and supported inside and outside local government.
Stephen Dorrell
Secretary of State for Health |
William Hague
Secretary of State for Wales |
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