ABSTRACT
The policy context In reflecting on progress in the development of health and social care partnerships since 1997, it is important not to lose a sense of history. By the mid-1990s, joint planning was largely discredited (see, for example, Hudson and Henwood, 2002; Nocon, 1994), joint commissioning was hindered by financial regulations (Audit Commission/CMHSD, 1997) and a Labour Opposition spokesperson could resign partly over the reluctance of the party to countenance change in the structural relationships between the NHS and social services. Indeed, New Labour policy under Frank Dobson, its first Secretary of State, whilst famously proclaiming its commitment to 'bringing down the Berlin Wall', continued to be wary of innovations in structure (DoH, 1998).
