Based on contributions to the Conference of the Institute for Research in the Social Services at York in 1994, this volume provides commentaries on the influence and effectiveness of recent policy measures and seeks to illuminate future agendas for policy and research. It is divided into two sections. Under the unprepossessing title of ‘Old Agendas’, the first covers the progress of internal market reforms in the NHS; the effectiveness of policies on alcohol taxation, and of measures for dealing with homelessness and drug abuse; an international overview of means testing for social assistance; and the financing and philosophical underpinnings of community care. The second section, on ‘New Issues’, contains discussions of market testing in social security; accountability in the public services; ethnicity and community care; future prospects for social policy in the EU; and a ‘critical agenda’ for future welfare debates.