Explore the impact of Margaret Thatcher's policies on the National Health Service, mental health services, social care, disability provision and social security between 1979 and 1990.
Timeline Events Currently Under Construction
GOVERNMENT POLICY
The incoming Conservative Government inherited the NHS and the post-war social security system. Its programme included changes to public spending, administration and the organisation of public services.
Explore Event →NHS
The Royal Commission chaired by Sir Alec Merrison published its report on the structure and operation of the NHS, contributing to debate about how the health service should be organised and managed.
Explore Event →PUBLIC HEALTH
Published in 1980, the report examined differences in health and mortality between social groups. It had been commissioned by the previous Labour Government in 1977; the Conservative Government did not adopt its principal recommendations.
Explore Event →NHS REFORM
Changes to NHS administration abolished area health authorities and reorganised responsibilities within the health service as part of wider efforts to change how it was managed.
Explore Event →MENTAL HEALTH
The Act established a revised legal framework in England and Wales for the compulsory detention, assessment and treatment of people with certain mental disorders, including safeguards and procedures relating to patients' rights.
Explore Event →NHS REFORM
Roy Griffiths' report recommended clearer managerial responsibility in the NHS. It helped shape the introduction of general management within the health service.
Explore Event →NHS REFORM
The Government promoted competitive tendering for services such as cleaning, catering and laundry. Supporters anticipated cost savings, while concerns included potential effects on staff, working conditions and service quality.
Explore Event →The legislation restructured social security benefits, including changes to income-related support and housing benefit arrangements. Much of the new system came into operation in April 1988.
Explore Event →DISABILITY
The Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act addressed local-authority services for disabled people and provided for consultation and representation in relevant decisions.
Explore Event →PUBLIC HEALTH
The Government expanded public information about AIDS, including the “Don't Die of Ignorance” campaign and a leaflet distributed to households across Britain. The campaign explained transmission and ways of reducing the spread of infection.
Explore Event →NHS REFORM
The Government announced a review of the NHS that led to proposals for changes in service organisation, funding arrangements and the relationship between purchasers and providers.
Explore Event →Income Support replaced Supplementary Benefit, while Family Credit replaced Family Income Supplement. The changes formed part of the wider restructuring of means-tested social security.
Explore Event →NHS REFORM
The White Paper proposed major changes to NHS management and funding, including an internal market in which health authorities and some GP practices would take on new purchasing roles. The Government stated that the NHS would remain tax-funded and based on need.
Explore Event →The White Paper set out proposals for community care, including a greater role for local authorities in assessing needs and planning services. It formed part of the move towards care and support outside long-stay institutions.
Explore Event →NHS REFORM
A new contract for general practitioners introduced changes to practice organisation, patient registration, preventive care and financial incentives as part of the Government's wider NHS reform programme.
Explore Event →LEGISLATION
The Act provided the legislative framework for changes to NHS organisation and community care, including the development of NHS trusts and changes to local-authority responsibilities. Major elements were implemented in subsequent years.
Explore Event →Charles Webster
Book • 2002
View reference →Rudolf Klein
Book • 2010
View reference →Department of Health and Social Security
Government Report • 1980
View reference →Roy Griffiths
Government Report • 1983
View reference →Roy Griffiths
Government Report • 1988
View reference →Department of Health
White Paper • 1989
View reference →Department of Health
White Paper • 1989
View reference →UK Parliament
Legislation • 1983
View reference →UK Parliament
Legislation • 1986
View reference →UK Parliament
Legislation • 1986
View reference →UK Parliament
Legislation • 1990
View reference →The National Archives
Archival Collection • 1986
View reference →The Health Foundation
Online Research Resource • 2018
View reference →