New Labour and the regulatory reform of social care

Abstract

In its mission to modernize public services, the New Labour government has placed a great deal of faith in the ever expanding regulatory apparatus. A partnership between the Audit Commission and the Social Services Inspectorate has resulted in joint reviews of social services authorities, and these have become the vehicle for comparing performance across authorities and ascertaining compliance with central government policies. This article draws upon a theoretical analysis of New Labour and Audit Commission texts and an empirical study of joint reviews in action. It seeks to: unpick the meanings of 'modernization' in relation to social services organizations and the social work profession; explore the position and perspectives of joint reviewers as they mediate between the often warring factions of central and local government; and, finally, expose the underlying value conflicts of the New Labour mission as it attempts to reconcile scientific, economic, political and welfare values.