Available Open Access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

This book provides an in-depth sociolegal examination of adult social care law and policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the tensions between legislation, policy, and practice in what was already an under-resourced and overstretched sector.

The authors interrogate the vision and utility of the Care Act 2014 and explore the impact of emergency legislation and operational changes implemented during the pandemic. Detailing what happened to social care provision during this time of intense stress and turbulence – for people who draw on services, for informal carers, and for those who work in the sector – the book highlights fault lines in the system.

This is an invaluable resource offering timely lessons for adult social care reform and future pandemic preparedness planning.