Welfare Reform on the Web (July 2003): Welfare State - UK

AMERICANISED AND EUROPEANISED; UK SOCIAL POLICY SINCE 1997

C. Annesley

British Journal of Politics and International Relations, vol. 5, 2003, p.143-165

Explores the influence of the United States and EU approaches to social welfare on UK social policy. Americanisation is the influence on the UK welfare state of the US liberal regime and adult worker model with no social infrastructure to support women's caring responsibilities. US influence can be seen in welfare-to-work initiatives such as the New Deals. On the other hand the UK has also moved closer to the EU position that economic prosperity is promoted not hindered, by social policy and to the continental social exclusion discourse which stresses social cohesion over individual rights.

THE BUDGET AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

P. Bivand

Working Brief, issue 144, May 2003, p.10-13

Responds to elements of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's seventh budget that have an impact on social inclusion. Discusses greater flexibility for Jobcentre Plus districts, housing benefit reform, increasing the number of prison places, helping ex-offenders into employment, economic migration, productivity and improving skills, reducing child poverty, child trust funds, encouraging lone parents into work and changes to benefits.

E-GALITARIANISM? THE INFORMATION SOCIETY AND NEW LABOUR'S REPOSITIONING OF WELFARE

J. Hudson

Critical Social Policy, vol. 23, 2003, p.268-290

Article examines the Blair governments' policies on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in welfare state reform. They aim to use ICTs to improve the quality of public services. They are also seeking to ensure that all citizens have access to ICTs to counter the emergence of a "digital divide" under which the poor and disadvantaged are excluded from participating in the information society. They also view it as the role of the state to equip its citizens with high level ICT skills so that they r

LOCK, STOCK, SMOKE AND MIRRORS

J. Hirst

Public Finance, Apr. 25th-May 1st 2003, p.20-23

In the latest policy fad public services in England are being run by hybrid entities called public interest companies (PICs). These not-for-profit, part private, part public organisation offer local control combined with greater financial freedom. PICS come in many forms: they may be mutual organisations, social enterprises, companies limited by guarantee, a not-for-profit trust or a "public benefit corporation".

PARTNERSHIP FOR A BETTER SCOTLAND: JOINT STATEMENT BY THE LEADERS OF THE SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY AND THE SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

2003.

Document sets out policies and the direction of government for the next four years of the Scottish Parliament. The parties will work together to encourage economic growth, tackle poverty and disadvantage, improve the environment and help all Scottish communities live in peace and safety.

POVERTY GAP HAS WIDENED UNDER LABOUR

P. Waugh

The Independent, May 12th 2003, p. 1

The gap between rich and poor in Britain is at its largest in 13 years. Figures from the Office for National Statistics for income equality show that differences in disposable income have returned to levels last seen in 1990. The report shows that the "Gini coefficient", an international measure of inequality, has risen from an average of 20 points under Baroness Thatcher to 35 points under Mr Blair. The higher the figure, the greater the inequality. The Office for National Statistics said that fast-rising wages in contrast with slow-rising state benefits, were one of the reasons behind the widening gap.

RIGHTS WATCHDOG TO CHECK POLICE, SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS

R. Verkaik

The Independent, May 27th 2003, p.6

Police forces, schools, and hospitals are to be subjected to investigations by a human rights watchdog with powers to uphold civil liberties. The body will be responsible for making Britain compliant with Labour's human rights legislation, which has so far proved ineffective after a parliamentary inquiry uncovered evidence of human rights abuse in care homes and other institutions.