The third edition of Michael Hill's Understanding Social Policy is a substantial revision of this successful text. The latest information on policy changes is included and full consideration is given to the ways in which the terms of policy debate have changed. The chapters on policy making and implementation discuss the limitations and controversial aspects of the main social policies, and now examine the new strains imposed upon the doctrine of representative government in the political climate since the re-election of the Conservatives. Specific chapters dealing with social security, the personal social services, the health service, education and housing have all been revised to take account of developments such as the 1986 Social Security Act, the Community Care debate, the new labour market, unemployment and privatization. The book schould be of interest to students of social policy, as well as health workers and social workers.