Policy Press

How to Fix the Welfare State

Some Ideas for Better Social Services

By Paul Spicker

Published

Feb 1, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1447364603

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 1, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1447364597

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 1, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1447364610

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 1, 2022

Page count

168 pages

ISBN

978-1447364610

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
How to Fix the Welfare State

The British welfare state is traditionally understood to be comprised of five main services: health, housing, social security, education and the ‘personal social services’, such as social care and child protection.

In this book, Paul Spicker offers an original take on the role of the state in relation to these services, along with three other areas where institutional services have been developed: employment services, equalities and public services, such as roads, parks, libraries and rescue services.

Dismissing false and misleading narratives, this book profiles the real problems that need to be addressed and offers inspiration for a better path forward.

"This is a slim volume with a large remit. It is also refreshing." Journal of Social Policy

Paul Spicker is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Robert Gordon University. His research has included studies of poverty, need, disadvantage and service delivery. His books on social policy for Policy Press have discussed the poverty, social security and the theory of social policy, and a leading textbook, 'Social Policy: Theory and Practice'.

1. The welfare state

2. Social security

3. The National Health Service

4. Social care

5. Education

6. Child protection

7. Housing

8. Employment services

9. Equalities and human rights

10. The public services

11. Towards a stronger welfare state

Afterword: a personal note