Social Policy Digest.

The article presents literature on social policy from May to July 2000. Just over 5.1 million people of working age were claiming a key benefit in November 1999. In February 2000, 3.81 million people claimed income support. The Social Fund annual report for 1999-2000 showed gross expenditure of 612 million pound, including statutory and discretionary expenditure on grants and loans. Nearly 11 million people were getting a state pension in September 1999. From June, working families tax credit rates for under-16s increase; analysis shows gains by poor and middle-income families from Budget changes. Education spending will rise by 5.4 per cent annually in real terms over three years; direct grants will disproportionately benefit primary schools. But extra money is linked to improved school results. A report shows schools in affluent areas raise far more in private funding. The government and Child Poverty Action Group will work jointly to increase free school meals take-up. Independent schools reported an increase in pupils for the fifth year.