The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and New Policy Institute have published the annual report on the state of poverty and social exclusion in the UK, which presents the legacy that was left to the Coalition Government by its predecessor, and examines the current government's priorities for action.
Knight, Barry (ed) Alliance Publishing Trust, 1st Floor, 25 Corsham Street, London N1 6DR
2011 Pages: 126 ISBN No: 9781907376115
Considers ways of tackling poverty in Britain. Provides a brief background discussion of poverty and action to address this problem from 1909 to the present day, focusing on welfare. Looks at lessons that can be learned from past initiatives to tackle poverty. Examines the role of minimum income standards in eliminating poverty. Discusses assets. Looks at tax and low pay. Presents a defence of child benefits. Investigates area-based initiatives. Discusses race and poverty and proposes affirmative action. Examines gender inequality and women's poverty.
Looks at how the UK compares with other European Union countries in its provision of child benefits. Examines what the introduction of a means test will mean for families. Argues that the coalition government should abandon the scheme and that its impact has been underestimated.
The EU has identified restoring economic growth and providing more and better jobs as key factors in fighting poverty. In order to help achieve this, the European Commission proposes establishing a European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion. This Communication sets out the challenges presented by poverty and exclusion and outlines the contribution of different policies to reducing poverty and increasing inclusion. It goes on to identify a number of associated actions and to explain the design and the content of the Platform. This publication is available in printed format in all EU official languages.