Social Policy Flashcards
what are 3 objectives of social policy
- Aim to be benificent- policy is directed to provide welfare for its citizens
- Include economic as well as non-economic objectives
- Involves redistribution in ‘command over resources’ from rich to poor
What are different issues affected by social policy?
poverty housing employment or unemployment welfare and health education crime transport environment economics politico-legal
describe poverty in scotland
Severe poverty in Scotland is defined as those living with equivalised household income below 50% of UK median income.
In 2013/14, 8 per cent of people in Scotland were in severe poverty before housing costs (BHC), down from 10 per cent the previous year. This decrease reverses the increase seen in 2012/13.
Relative poverty- defined as below 60% of median UK income. Figures for 2015 showed that relative poverty in Scotland before housing costs had increased 14% over the previous year. 15% of all people were living in relative poverty, 17% of children and 15% of pensioners.
This means that 800,00 people in Scotland are living in relative poverty.
describe housing in scotland
Scotland is facing a “health and inequality time bomb” because of shortage of affordable housing (Robert Black 2015)
A total of 43 per cent of Scotland’s social housing currently falls beneath the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, with approximately 73,000 households living in overcrowded conditions, representing 3 per cent of households in Scotland.
Review of literature undertaken in 2010 demonstrated clear links between poor housing & ill health (Scottish Government Communities Analytical Services 2010)
‘Investing in housing should be seen as a preventative measure to tackle Scotland’s growing crisis in health, education and employment’ (Black 2015). He said such spending would lead to significant budget saving in areas such as social care and homelessness.
describe unemployment in scotland
2015 Scotland’s jobless total increased by 18,000 between June and August to stand at 170,000,
2016 total 127,000 unemployed, smaller percentage than the UK and the lowest number since 2008. However, the figures are distorted by a large increase in people who declare themselves ’economically inactive’, not in work but not looking for work. Substantial increase in numbers particularly women, the stats collected to not explain why this is occurring.
describe effect of education
- Key for lifetime health and wealth
- Number of degrees attained are increasing, however the middle classes go to uni more and do better- government policy to bridge gap
- Increased choices and life chances
what environmental factors are there
Siting of landfill sights, incinerators Water quality Air quality, industry and traffic Use of pesticides and antibiotics in agriculture Food standards Housing policy
what politico-legal social policy is there
Tobacco advertising Drink drive laws Speed limits Misuse of drugs act Licensing laws
what is health policy
‘any government activity which affects health and illness, not just the activities of the Department of Health, the NHS, professionals or other health services’
give examples of health policy
Spending on NHS National and local targets e.g. screening Immunisations Waiting lists Acute primary, funding, planning Professional training Costs of drugs and therapies
give examples of fiscal policy
Sugar tax
Tax exemption for health insurance
VAT exemption for health supplies and services
Taxes on tobacco
The childhood poverty strategy for Scotland sets out specific child poverty targets, reviews progress over three year cycles.
What are the 3 strands of policy
1) Maximising household resources- for example increasing benefits entitlement, reducing financial pressures on low income families (how?)
2) improving life chances for children in poverty – improving health and reducing the educational attainment gap are two key areas.
3) housing and environment- affordable housing, community facilities, increasing social capital, social relations that have productive benefits- community groups, coops, social banking etc
