ABSTRACT
Research into care restructuring is an ongoing process. Care policy and planning are subject to constant revision arising from circumstances that occur at particular points in time. Following a General Election in May 1997, the British electorate returned a Labour Government committed to holding referenda in Scotland and Wales on the issue of devolved government. Following a Scottish vote in favour of devolution, the new Scottish Parliament was invested in Edinburgh in 1999. National policy-making in relation to health and social care now emanates from this Edinburgh-based Parliament, the Scottish Executive being charged with overseeing its implementation. In August 1999, the Scottish Executive announced an additional development that will serve to place the voluntary sector closer to the heart of government by setting up a centrally located Voluntary Issues Unit based in the Executive Secretariat.
