Mind the gap - the new social contract
“The state is rolling back, the social contract is changing between the individual and Government and the prevailing political ideology is that “Big Society” will fill the gap that has opened up. What does this mean in practice for all of us?” Thea Stein argues that families and charities are being asked to fill the gap left by the roll back of the state.
‘Hard working people’ doesn’t work for me…
“There are few expressions that annoy me more than ‘hard working people’ – and few that we hear more in the current political climate. There are so many things wrong with it that it’s hard to know where to start…” As the Conservative Party gathers in Manchester, Paul Bernal takes issue with their conference theme.
Frontline Friday 27th September 2013: Our favourite frontline blogs this week
Here’s our list of ten frontline blogs we’ve particularly liked from the week of 23rd September 2013 – from local authority cuts, supporting families to the bedroom tax and Labour Party conference.
Twigg and hardworking families
“A Tory Education Secretary that wishes to further nationalise parenting sharing an analysis and a proposed solution with a Labour shadow Education Secretary that wants to put the demands of market over the demands of loved ones.” Michael Merrick reviews Stephen Twigg and Michael Gove’s approach to family policy.
Arbitrary lines, short-term approaches and small statistical gains
“We might deduce from the above that, if these families lives have been ’turned round’ then tackling the poverty which is likely to affect many of them is simply not even a goal anymore.” Stephen Crossley considers whether the Coalition’s Troubled Families agenda will reduce child poverty.
Britain’s broken tax system
We are constantly being told by politicians and the press that the welfare system is broken. Actually cash benefits (and to a lesser extent spending on services) are the only part of the welfare state now reducing poverty and inequality in Britain. The tax system is the element of the welfare state that is broken […]
Carers need more than hugs and chocolate
She`d waited a long time for this weekend away; so it had to be right. Dinner B&B, twin room, sea view, parking on site-and shops within a stroll. After scouring the south coast from Deal to Dorset; we found a place that ticked all five boxes-and they were off: Phyllis-my dad`s partner- and for company, […]
Absolute poverty
Last weekend an 80 year old man told me about growing up in Middlebrough in the 1930s. He was one of 8 children, his father worked but was often unwell. If his father could not work the family had no money, there was no social security to fall back on, they had to go without. […]
‘The one and only one’
For many years social work assessments have been the main focus for debate and questions within the media and social work practise. First we do the Initial assessment, then if we need more information we complete a more fuller core assessment. The time scales for these assessments were set in guidance regardless of the need […]
Dadlessness or factlessness?
“…it shouldn’t surprise us if some families do split up under the weight of poverty, but what is more surprising is the very high number who stick together through these times.” Stephen Crossley challenges the dominant story about ‘family breakdown’ as the cause of poverty - and suggests some think tanks should take a closer look at the facts.
Why teachers leave
“People will argue that every professional needs to consider their family but they don’t all leave their jobs – what makes teachers different? Simple: our job’s lack of flexibility.” Laura McInerney looks at why teachers leave the profession - and why the issue of 190 days matters.
No money? No food? No problem, go online
We took a call from a concerned relative recently about a 17 year old care leaver who was a dad to a 4 month old baby. He was living with the baby and the baby’s 18 year old mum, in a one bedroom flat in a small village. He had no money, no heating, no food, […]
The challenges ahead for improving outcomes for children and young people
Team wanted: “for survival of children, perilous journey, invariable scrutiny, much frustration, many years of constant work. Gratitude of families and society immeasurable in case of success.” It was (supposedly!) Shackleton’s advertisement for a crew that came to mind, when a pledge by 17 organisations was released in February relating to Children and Young People’s services in England, […]
Built to scale: the Family Independence Initiative - Jane Mansour
In this post our guest blogger Jane Mansour showcases the Family Independence Initiative in Boston, Massachusetts. The project is a good example of the principles of ‘guerilla policy’ in action. Jane is an expert and consultant in international welfare to work and the commissioning and funding of public services. She blogs regularly at Buying QP. […]