Reflections on the utilisation of 'universalist' discourse in contemporary English policy on adult social care

References to 'universal services' in social policy are historically associated with social-democratic welfare regimes. However, neoliberal-influenced policy initiatives aimed at 'transforming' adult social care in England talk a lot about local authorities enabling access to 'universal services'. This commentary reflects critically on the effects of policy makers and service providers referencing universalism in ways that are often confused and that have become decoupled from their original meanings in social policy.