Policy Press

Delivering Social Welfare

Governance and Service Provision in the UK

By Derek Birrell and Ann Marie Gray

Published

Dec 14, 2016

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447319184

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Dec 14, 2016

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447319177

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Dec 14, 2016

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447319191

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Dec 14, 2016

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447319207

Imprint

Policy Press
Delivering Social Welfare

As the system of governance and delivery of social welfare in the UK radically changes, this important new book argues that the extent of this change is such that it could be considered a fundamental transformation or even a revolution. It shows how a new public governance perspective has replaced the dominance of new public management, reflecting the increasingly plural and fragmented nature of public policy implementation. Drawing on examples across a range of policy areas it assesses how changes in social policy and governance interact in the delivery of the main areas of social policy and social welfare. The book will be essential reading for researches, students and policy makers.

"This is an excellent book. Informed, engaging and comprehensive. Essential reading for those interested in keeping up to date with the changing environment of social policy and governance." Dr Catherine Bochel, University of Lincoln

“This book can certainly be viewed as the new authority in the area social welfare governance in the UK and, as such, is deservingly destined to become a fixture on reading lists across the UK and beyond.” Social Policy & Administration

"This important book successfully tackles the difficult task of explaining and comparing how social welfare is delivered in the now increasingly diverse United Kingdom." Michael Hill, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, University of Newcastle

“An indispensable resource for those who want to understand how complex the delivery of welfare services has become in the UK and its constituent nations in recent years.” Nick Ellison, York University

"This excellent book offers important insights into the shifting dynamics of who does what for whom in an increasingly complex welfare governance landscape." Sharon Wright, University of Glasgow

Derek Birrell is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. He has written on policy making in health and social care, the civil service, devolution and social policy, and administrative structures and policy.

Ann Marie Gray is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. She has written on issues relating to adult social care policy, social attitudes, and devolution and social policy.

Introduction: the changing landscape of welfare governance and delivery;

The devolved administrations and welfare delivery;

The role of UK government departments in welfare provision;

Local government: the changing scene;

Local government responsibility for social welfare services;

Delegated governance: 'quangos' and services;

New developments in partnership working;

The mixed economy: privatisation and welfare delivery;

Involving users and the public in the governance and delivery of welfare;

Regulating welfare delivery and performance;

Conclusion.