Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
At last! A good, critical and up-to-date introduction to social security. It will be of enormous assistance to students, academics and indeed anyone interested in social policy. Jonathan Bradshaw, Professor of Social Policy, University of York
Review
A comprehensive account of the principles of British social security delivered in bite-sized chunks beloved by students. Robert Walker, Professor of Social Policy, University of Oxford
Review
Overall the book is extensive, clear, accessible and engaging. It is both through provoking and informative and will no doubt be a key text for students and others engaged with the social security system. Lee Gregory, University of Cardiff
Synopsis
Social security is a difficult subject. The British system is highly complex, and the details change rapidly. This new textbook is an accessible, broadly based introduction which helps readers to make sense of the system in Britain. Including a broad scope of coverage and accessibility, the book plays a dual role as a preface to both the existing texts on social security policy and the guides on social security benefits. It also looks at the operation of social security benefits. How Social Security Works describes benefits in general terms, as well as the relationship to the welfare state and aspects of the sociology of benefits. Clearly and succinctly, the book lays out the aims, structure, delivery of Britain's main benefits system. It outlines the development of the system, considering the history and political dimensions, and includes a thematic discussion of the main types of benefit: national insurance, means tested, non-contributory, universal, and discretionary; and it conside
Synopsis
A broad, accessible introduction to the benefit system in Britain which can help readers to make sense of the system in practice.
About the Author
Paul Spicker is Grampian Chair of Public Policy at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and is the author of several books.
Table of Contents
Part one: Introductory principles
What is social security?
Social security and the welfare state
Social security and society
Part two: The development of the system
The origins of social security in the UK
The politics of social security
A unified system?
Part three: Benefits
National Insurance
Means tested benefits I: the basic minimum
Means testing II: income supplements
The provision of non-contributory benefits
Discretionary benefits
Universal benefits
Claiming benefits
Understanding complexity
Part four: The principal contingencies
Pensioners
Benefits for people with disabilities
Incapacity
Children and families
Lone parents
Unemployed people
Benefits for the poor
Part five: Issues in social security policy
The cost of social security
Targeting
Fraud and abuse
Responding to poverty
Social security and redistribution
How social security in Britain compares to other countries