Law in a Complex State

Complexity in the Law and Structure of Welfare

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law
Cover of the book Law in a Complex State by Neville Harris, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Neville Harris ISBN: 9781782252757
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: July 18, 2014
Imprint: Hart Publishing Language: English
Author: Neville Harris
ISBN: 9781782252757
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: July 18, 2014
Imprint: Hart Publishing
Language: English

Approximately half of the total UK population are in receipt of one or more welfare benefits, giving rise to the largest single area of government expenditure. The law and structures of social security are highly complex, made more so by constant adjustments as government pursues its often conflicting economic, political and social policy objectives. This complexity is highly problematic. It contributes to errors in decision-making and to increased administrative costs and is seen as disempowering for citizens, thereby weakening enjoyment of a key social right. Current and previous administrations have committed to simplifying the benefits system. It is a specific objective of the Welfare Reform Act 2012, which provides for the introduction of Universal Credit in place of diverse benefits. However, it is unclear whether the reformed system will be either less complex legally or more accessible for citizens.

This book seeks to explain how and why complexity in the modern welfare system has grown; to identify the different ways in which legal and associated administrative arrangements are classifiable as 'complex'; to discuss the effects of complexity on the system's administration and its wider implications for rights and the citizen-state relationship; and to consider the role that law can play in the simplification of schemes of welfare. While primarily focused on the UK welfare system it also provides analysis of relevant policies and experience in various other states.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Approximately half of the total UK population are in receipt of one or more welfare benefits, giving rise to the largest single area of government expenditure. The law and structures of social security are highly complex, made more so by constant adjustments as government pursues its often conflicting economic, political and social policy objectives. This complexity is highly problematic. It contributes to errors in decision-making and to increased administrative costs and is seen as disempowering for citizens, thereby weakening enjoyment of a key social right. Current and previous administrations have committed to simplifying the benefits system. It is a specific objective of the Welfare Reform Act 2012, which provides for the introduction of Universal Credit in place of diverse benefits. However, it is unclear whether the reformed system will be either less complex legally or more accessible for citizens.

This book seeks to explain how and why complexity in the modern welfare system has grown; to identify the different ways in which legal and associated administrative arrangements are classifiable as 'complex'; to discuss the effects of complexity on the system's administration and its wider implications for rights and the citizen-state relationship; and to consider the role that law can play in the simplification of schemes of welfare. While primarily focused on the UK welfare system it also provides analysis of relevant policies and experience in various other states.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Who's Sorry Now? by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Beautiful Thing by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Futebol by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Rhythm in Acting and Performance by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Lady Windermere's Fan by Neville Harris
Cover of the book The Shape of the Liturgy, New Edition by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Pandora's Daughters by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Guadalcanal 1942–43 by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Arctic Governance: Volume 1 by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Minerva Clark Goes to the Dogs by Neville Harris
Cover of the book An Inquiry into the Existence of Global Values by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Conquer or Die! by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Church, Market, and Media by Neville Harris
Cover of the book Persona Non Grata by Neville Harris
Cover of the book The Texas War of Independence 1835–36 by Neville Harris
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy