ABSTRACT
In April 1993, new arrangements for community care came fully into existence. Local authorities became responsible for assessing the needs of those experiencing difficulties due to ageing, mental illness, learning disabilities or physical disabilities. They were also made responsible for designing a suitable package of care, and for purchasing that package from a range of competing providers. Finance lies at the heart of this public sector activity. In practice there are numerous sources of finance, both explicit and implicit. Conceptually the debate should be widened to understand the interrelationship of finance with eligibility criteria and boundary issues with health services.
