Access to services as a civil and social rights issue: The role of welfareprofessionals in regulating access to and commissioning services for disabled and older people under New Labour

This paper draws up a theoretical framework of citizenship, based on Marsha ll's thesis, that encompasses the idea of access to welfare services (using the example of community care services for disabled and older people) as a civil and serial rights issue. The authors critically examine current poli cy developments in the NHS and local authorities under New Labour that emph asize partnership, particularly the proposals and provisions made in "The N ew NHS" and "Partnership in Action". Their theoretical framework is wed to explore issues concerning access to and the commissioning of health and soc ial care services tinder New Labour. They conclude that the role of welfare professionals, particularly GPs and social services workers, and their rel ationships with service users, patients, carers and their families under Ne w Labour presents a continuing challenge to the citizenship status disabled and older people.