With public budgets shrinking even as demand for social services rises, the question of how social services are financed is increasingly pressing. In this context, whether, how, and to what extent private providers and civil society organisations join for a mixed economy of care is a critical question. Under this sub-theme, the ESSC in Hamburg will tackle questions around the sustainability and management of social services now and in the future, covering challenges and new approaches amongst others in the financing of social services, their financial planning and budgeting, and contracting and procurement.