The new White Paper on out-of-hospital and adult social care seems destined to bring new opportunities and challenges - or are they new? Reflection on policy since the Griffiths Report of 1988 suggests that they may have been with us for some time. Services that are person-centred, allow more choice and control, are community-based and are provided by a wider range of providers, including the independent sector, are ever-present themes. How will the apparent barriers to implementation be overcome this time? Actions will speak louder than words in bringing about lasting change.