This text provides an up-to-date, comprehensive and accessible overview of the development and contemporary provision for social welfare in Britain. The text begins with an historical overview of the 'roots' of the British welfare state and explores the social, political and economic contexts within which social policy operates. It then goes on to examine the different ideological perspectives that are used to analyse social policies and to outline the main areas of social policy in Britain. The final section explores some contemporary 'themes' in social policy, its contemporary context and future directions.