How social security works: An introduction to benefits in Britain - Hardcover

Spicker, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1847428118 ISBN 13: 9781847428110

Publisher: Policy Press, 2011

Synopsis

How social security works is an introduction to the much-misunderstood system of benefits in Britain. The book is an accessible, broadly based and sometimes controversial text which can help readers to make sense of the system in practice. It explains the guiding principles, outlines the social context, considers the development and political dimensions of benefits, and reviews how the system operates now. There are detailed discussions of the types of benefit, and the contingencies covered by the benefits system. Paul Spicker examines whether the system offers value for money, how it could be simplified and how it can be improved. The book will be useful to students on undergraduate and professional courses, but beyond that it will appeal to policy makers, practitioners and a broader general readership.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Spicker is Grampian Chair of Public Policy at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. In 2007 he was a special adviser to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee for their report on the simplification of social security benefits. His previous books with The Policy Press include 'Policy analysis for practice' (2006), 'Liberty, equality, fraternity' (2006), 'The idea of poverty' (2007) and 'Social policy: Themes and approaches' (2008).

Edition details

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1847428118
• ISBN 13: 9781847428110
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296