Tag: welfare state

Why Labour have every reason to loosen the purse strings

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London Underground platform edge with the words ‘Mind the gap’ painted beside a yellow safety line as a train passes.

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of Social Policy by Elliott Johnson et al. The blog post is written by Elliott Johnson, Howard Reed, Anna Thew, and Matthew Johnson. Tax Reform and Economic Renewal: The Case for Basic Income Rachel Reeves describes the UK economy as being in its… Continue reading Why Labour have every reason to loosen the purse strings

Rethinking Housing Provision in the European Union: Why Comparative Evidence Matters More Than Ever

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Urban residential housing with mixed building types and densities, illustrating variation in housing provision across European cities

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy by Rūta Ubarevičienė and Jolanta Aidukaitė. Across Europe, housing has quietly shifted from a background policy concern to one of the most urgent social challenges of our time. Whether you live in a booming capital city or… Continue reading Rethinking Housing Provision in the European Union: Why Comparative Evidence Matters More Than Ever

Poverty is complex – should our policy responses be too? Moving beyond isolated policy solutions

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A couple sits with an advisor reviewing documents together, suggesting discussion of finances, housing or social support.

This blog post is based on an article published in Social Policy and Society by Heta Pöyliö. Poverty is a complex issue that requires expansive policy responses. In my recent study published in Social Policy and Society, I find that policies with different functions can work together to reduce the risk of poverty. Specifically, policy… Continue reading Poverty is complex – should our policy responses be too? Moving beyond isolated policy solutions

What are we really talking about when we use the term ‘food banks’?

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Basket filled with assorted food items including jars, pasta, oil, and packaged goods on a neutral background.

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of Social Policy by Maddy Sarah Power and Madeleine Baxter. Over the past 16 years food banks have come to represent much that is wrong and right about the UK: the cruelty of austerity initiated by the Coalition Government and the broader hollowing… Continue reading What are we really talking about when we use the term ‘food banks’?

Rethinking Welfare: Recognising Contributions and Reducing Stigma

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Woman with a child meeting a welfare advisor at a desk, discussing paperwork related to social assistance.

This blog post is based on an article published in Social Policy and Society by Amber Vellinga-Dings, Nardi Steverink, Başak Bilecen, and Melissa Sebrechts. “Now I’m going to be one of those lazy welfare recipients – how did this happen?” That thought ran through the mind of a single mother of three young children when… Continue reading Rethinking Welfare: Recognising Contributions and Reducing Stigma