Understanding the Mixed Economy of Welfare

The past decade has seen many changes in UK policy related to the mixed economy of welfare (MEW) and the social division of welfare (SDW), including moves toward greater provider pluralism associated with the “any qualified provider” concept, greater organizational complexity, payment-by-results systems, personalization, partnership working, integrated care, tax credits, and the integration of Big Society ideas, among many others. Fully updated to reflect these changes and looking forward to the likely policy trends of the new Conservative Government, this second edition combines conceptual, historical, and comparative perspectives to offer a fresh conceptual framework that links MEW and SDW with ongoing debates.

Martin Powell is professor of health and social policy in the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham. He is the editor of several books exploring the New Labour Governments and the British welfare state.