The Conservatives, coalition and social policy

<p>This chapter considers the impact of the Coalition with the Liberal Democrats on Conservative approaches to social policy immediately following the 2010 general election to provide an initial assessment of the new government's policy direction. It suggests that while much of the pre-election rhetoric may have been about 'progressive' or 'compassionate' Conservatism, the real test for such ideas was likely to come in relation to the replacement of state welfare and whether alternative forms of provision could meet the needs of society.</p>