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Universal Credit has been rolled out gradually in the United Kingdom since 2013 as one integrated means‐tested benefit replacing six different transfers with a single monthly payment. Previously, these benefits were awarded for distinct purposes and, for couples who claimed them, were potentially payable to different partners. Concerns about Universal Credit's single payment include the opportunities it may create for facilitating domestic abuse, the fostering of more unequal power relations within couples, the reduction of financial autonomy for individuals, and the de‐labelling of benefit payments. This article explores debates about the prospects for individual payments to partners in couples of Universal Credit as a jointly assessed integrated means‐tested benefit, including different approaches emerging from the United Kingdom's devolved governments (mainly Scotland and Northern Ireland). Whilst payment to each partner is likely to be more feasible where there are separate rather than integrated means‐tested benefits, it concludes that genuine financial autonomy for partners in couples is best pursued via individually based non‐means‐tested benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ‘living wage’ is an idea with a long history in the UK currently enjoying a renaissance. This article explores possible reasons for its re-emergence as a policy demand, but argues that thinking of low pay primarily as ‘poverty pay’ caused by employers’ failure to pay a living wage raises practical and conceptual issues that are problematic. It examines to what extent recent attempts to resolve such issues in the UK and elsewhere have succeeded, and concludes by suggesting that alternative ways of analysing and addressing the two key issues associated with the living wage, low pay and in work poverty, are required. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ‘unitary household’ lives on in policymakers’ assumptions about couples sharing their finances. Yet financial autonomy is seen as a key issue in gender relations, particularly for women. This article draws on evidence from semi-structured individual interviews with men and women in thirty low-/moderate-income couples in Britain. The interviews explored whether financial autonomy had any meaning to these individuals; and, if so, to what extent this was gendered in the sense of there being differences in men's and women's understanding of it. We develop a framework for the investigation of financial autonomy, involving several dimensions: achieving economic independence, having privacy in one's financial affairs and exercising agency in relation to household and/or personal spending. We argue that financial autonomy is a relevant issue for low-/moderate-income couples, and that women are more conscious of tensions between financial togetherness and autonomy due to their greater responsibility for managing togetherness and lower likelihood of achieving financial independence. Policymakers should therefore not discount the aspirations of women in particular for financial autonomy, even in low-/moderate-income couples where there remain significant obstacles to achieving this. Yet plans for welfare reform that rely on means testing and ignore intra-household dynamics in relation to family finances threaten to exacerbate these obstacles and reinforce a unitary family model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Following the confusion that has surrounded the Chancellor's announcement on cuts to child benefit for higher-rate taxpayers, defends the existing benefit as simple, successful and fair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author argues for the British government to conduct gender analysis of monetary and social protection, also known as transfer, policies as of September 2008. The author urges the British government to use any statistical findings of such studies to promote government policies that would foster greater gender equality and political autonomy for men and women. The article focuses upon benefits and tax credits. According to the article, the British government had relied upon a so-called unitary household perspective when applying benefits. The article states that the British Treasury had exhibited dominance in domestic social policy during the late 20th century and early 21st century. The article examines public opinion via the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey.

What is the Transformational Government initiative, enabled by information and communications technology (ICT)? We describe its development, origins and prospects in seeking to join up public services to give simple, seamless, one-off access channels for citizens. We look at its governance and working structures, examining how ICT has been used to move towards common infrastructures and approaches in public services, bringing new potential for holistic service delivery. Finally, we show how transformational government has moved on from e-government, noting some risks that may affect its implementation. We note some particular issues affecting local government throughout the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents digest of social policies issued in Great Britain from February to April 2002. The article covers contents in "Social Policy Digest," for the period February to April 2002, written by Fran Bennnett with Ken Jones. The topics covered were social security and income maintenance, health, education, housing and environment, personal social services, law and the treatment of the offender, unemployment and the labor market, race relations, the voluntary sector, government, gender and sexuality and demography. Statistics quoted relate to Great Britain as a whole, years referred to are either a calendar year or reporting year to March 31 and percentage changes are based on annual comparisons. Income support claimants totaled 3.95 million, up 1.9 per cent. An above-inflation increase was announced in funding for community care grants in the discretionary social fund. The government must overhaul the social fund if it is to meet its target of eradicating child poverty.

The article reports on developments related to social policy in Great Britain as of April 2002. Contents of this social policy digest are--social security and income maintenance, health, education, housing and environment and more. The first note contains general information on publications referred to in this edition, and the second contains a key to acronyms and abbreviations used. Unless otherwise indicated, statistics quoted in the digest relate to Great Britain as a whole. Years referred to are either a calendar year or a reporting year ended March 31 and percentage changes are based on annual comparisons. Where the subject of an entry in this digest edition was covered in a previous edition within the last two years, a reference is given to the most recent edition applicable. Estimated public spending on benefits was £101 billion, up 1.8 per cent. Recipients of working families' tax credit totaled £1.26 million. Take-up of income support was estimated at 77-87 per cent. The government responded to a Commons committee report on the proposed new integrated child credit.

This article presents information on social issues such as healthcare, labor markets, education and demography in Great Britain. Among the various topics discussed are social security and income maintenance, formerly health care, education, housing and environment, personal social services, law and the treatment of the offender, unemployment and the labor market, race relations, the voluntary sector, government, gender, and demography. According to the research, official statistics suggested very little reduction in income inequality between 1996-97 and 1999-2000, but the British government claimed progress in reducing poverty among children and pensioners. A new Department for Work and Pensions its renamed agency Jobcentre Plus, and the new Pension Service, merged following the general elections. The government published its action plan against poverty and social exclusion. The government consulted on ways of encouraging saving by low-income families, including its proposed baby bond.

This article focuses on several issues related to social policy in Great Britain. The Cabinet Office published a report on rural life. A report suggests a nationwide focus on young people, not confined to deprived areas. A study showed the north-south divide widening in the 1990s. The government published revised proposals for assisted areas for European Union funding. Most national insurance benefits increased by 1.1 per cent from April, and most means-tested benefits by 1.6 per cent. In November 1999, there were 3.84 million income support claimants (means-tested jobseeker's allowance claimants shown separately), the same as in August. In August 1999, just over 6 million people of working age (17 per cent) claimed a key benefit, nearly a million fewer than in 1996. The Budget included a cut in the basic income tax rate by 1 penny, to 22 pence, significant increases in lower and upper earnings limits for national insurance contributions, and the extension of the 10 pence income tax rate to savings income.

The article presents several information on social policy in Great Britain. Most national insurance benefits will rise in April 2000 by 1.1 per cent, and most means-tested benefits by 1.6 per cent. In August 1999, there were 3.84 million income support claimants, the first increase since August 1997. The Pre-Budget Report included promises to uprate the minimum income guarantee for pensioners with earnings, pay winter fuel payments annually, and give pensioners aged 75 or over free television Iicences. The Pre-Budget Report proposed earmarking tobacco duty for the National Health Service (NHS). Health economists say the promised 21 billion pound extra over three years includes "double counting." The British Medical Association launched a review of NHS funding. The NHS will review work on patient and public involvement, and staff will receive training about treating disabled patients. Age Concern says older people report discrimination by the health service. In September 1999, 171,000 infants in Great Britain were in classes of over 30, a reduction of over 180,000 since 1998.

This article presents updates on the social policy in Great Britain from May to July 1999. The United Nations says that Great Britain has the third worst poverty in the developed world. New research investigates the relationship between income, wealth and the lifecycle. Area-based policies are often time-limited, and most people suffering deprivation do not live in the most deprived areas, according to a study. Over half a million workers are still losing money because of the new national insurance computer system; a Public Accounts Committee report was critical. In a qualitative study, lone parents welcomed the prototype integrated service for claiming benefits. Responsibility for benefit appeals passed to the Secretary of State from the Independent Tribunal Service; the new system will be introduced in stages. Research shows that for the poorest fifth, spending on toys, children's clothing, shoes and fresh fruit was no higher in real terms in 1995-96 than 1968. Twelve disability charities resigned from the consortium created by the government to discuss benefit reform proposals. The growth in numbers on disability and long-term sickness benefits is due partly to more women leaving work because of ill-health.

The article presents information related to social policy. The topics included are social security and income maintenance, health care, education, housing and environment, personal social services, law and the treatment of the offender, unemployment and the labor market, race relations, voluntary sector, local government, gender and demography. A review of new research finds that income inequality in Great Britain narrowed slightly in the early to mid 1990's, but was still much greater than in any. previous post-war decade. The Green Paper on public health replaces twenty-seven targets with four with a similar Green Paper for Scotland. The government is consulting on a new regulatory regime for education and lay care. An advisory panel on sustainable development throws doubt on forecasts of 4.4 million new homes needed by 2016. A Bill guaranteeing help with residential care costs for people with limited assets had a third reading. The government released additional funding for the record prison population. Employment Service performance targets emphasize helping people disadvantaged in the labor market move from welfare to work.

The article presents information on various social policies in Great Britain. The government is consulting on criteria for regional European Union aid. A task force will examine the denial of financial services to low-income people. All payments from creditor insurance policies will be disregarded for means-tested benefits, if the income is used for the debt. The National Audit Office called for external checks on the Benefits Agency's performance. The pension provision group said the state has an inescapable role in ensuring pensions for people on low incomes. Another official group recommended government funding for pensions education. A European directive safeguards occupational pension rights for people working in different member states. A ministerial group on better government for older people' was created. Some independent financial advisers were disciplined in connection with the pensions mis-selling review. Two reports discuss issues arid options in reforming housing benefit. Benefit cuts for young people are reportedly causing difficulties for rent deposit schemes.

The article presents information on the developments in the social policy of Great Britain from November 1996 to January 1997. In the Budget, personal tax allowances were raised in real terms, the 20 pence tax band was extended, and the basic tax rate cut from 25 to 24 percent. Treasury figures show a tax burden of 35.1 per cent in 1997-98 for a married couple with two children and one earner on average male earn compared with 32.2 per cent in 1978-79. Plans were announced to align the rules on backdating for most benefits and place more responsibility on claimants of income support and jobseeker's allowance to produce evidence to verify claims. Changes to war pensions were modified after protests about their implications. But the Royal British Legion is still urging the government to withdraw restrictions on claims for deafness. Two reports on disability working allowance show that it has only helped about 1,000 people into employment, with most disabled people wanting full-time work paying proper wages. A National Consumer Council report assesses information about continuing care given by fifteen health authorities, and recommends some guidelines.

This article presents references to various items published in the "Journal of Social Policy" during May-July 1996. The 1994/5 Family Resources Survey shows that three in four households get some form of social security benefit and that 31 per cent of households have no savings, excluding housing and pensions. The average household in Wales now has a lower gross weekly income than in Northern Ireland. Overall, the North/South divide continued to narrow in 1994. The government used research on male earnings mobility to argue that large numbers of people are not trapped on low earnings which are falling over time. The Health Committee called for resources to be transferred to inner-city health authorities from the Home Counties. A survey from the National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts showed some health authorities considering introducing explicit rationing. The Nursery Education and Grant-Maintained Schools Act received royal assent, enabling nursery education vouchers to go nationwide in April 1997.

The article presents information on the social policy of Great Britain from February to April 1996. The main topics being social security and income maintenance, health care, education, housing and environment, personal social services, labor market and unemployment, law and the treatment of the offender, local government, voluntary sector, demography, race and gender. The government announced planned cuts in benefit administration costs of 25 percent over the next three years, including a review of the legal basis of decision- making and appeals. The new health authorities, amalgamating Family Health Services Authorities and District Health Authorities, started work on 1 April, 1995. The pilot scheme for parents of four-year-olds to apply for nursery education vouchers in four areas started in April, for implementation in the autumn. Management of the entire local authority housing stock has been handed over to a board of tenants for the first time. Press leaks suggest controversy within the Cabinet over plans to remove employment protection rights from employees of small firms. The government published a White Paper on new sentencing proposals.

The article enumerates several developments in social policy in Great Britain from November 1995 to January 1996. It is studied under several topics. Some of the topics are social security and income maintenance, health care, education, housing and environment, personal social services, law and the treatment of the offender, unemployment and the labor market, race relations, the voluntary sector, local government, gender and demography. In November, the Secretary of State for Social Security announced that most benefits would go up in line with inflation in April. He also announced other plans, including: cuts in housing benefit for single people under 25 renting privately; a freeze in one parent benefit and lone parent premium; and an increase in the childcare disregard for family credit. There will be changes to national insurance contributions for the self-employed. The Labor Party was reported to be reviewing its policies on social security. The number of income support claimants rose to 5.8 million in February 1995, with almost 1.7 million having a deduction from their benefit; and by April 1995 some 606,000 people were claiming family credit. Official estimates of take-up of means-tested benefits showed that in 1993/94, 79-88 per cent of those eligible claimed income support. Altogether, 1.5 billion pounds to over 3 billion millions in means-tested benefits went unclaimed.

The article reviews several websites including the Social Policy Digest, located at www.journals.cambridge.org/spd/action/home, from the UK Social Policy Association, the Society Central, located at www.societycentral.ac.uk/2012/12/03/measuringpoverty-families, from the organization Society Central, and the Poverty Digest, located at www.poverty.co.uk, from Great Britain's Economic and Social Research Council.

The Social Policy Digest is a major online resource providing up-to-date listings of developments across the whole range of UK and pan-European social policy issues - including links to source materials and commentary. The Digest is published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Social Policy Association. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Social Policy Digest is a major online resource providing up-to-date listings of developments across the whole range of social policy issues - including links to source materials and related commentaries. The Digest is published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Social Policy Association. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor mentions an article on Great Britain's labour market policy by Daniel Clegg, social inequality by Steve McKay, and the discussion on the impact of benefits system and tax on second earners by Susan Harkness and Martin Evans.

The article presents information about the availability of journal resources online. Particular attention is paid to the development of the online journal into a web-based resource on social policy issues in Great Britain. Details about the journal's web site design and improved functionality are provided.