welfare reform

Impact of welfare reform on housing associations: 2012 baseline report

Report that focuses on the initial perceptions of the impacts on landlords prior to the introduction of welfare reform changes. It includes a profile of the housing association sector in England, covering information which will help to clarify which associations might be disproportionately affected by changes, and a summary of the potential impacts on housing association landlords from the available literature.

Surviving poverty: the impact of lone parenthood

Research into experiences of lone parents in rural Fife conducted in partnership with Fife Gingerbread. Volunteers from the Fife Gingerbread Buddy programme with experience of lone parenthood were trained as peer researchers and were involved in all stages of the research project, the design, fieldwork and analysis.

The research sought to explore and understand lone parent’s quality of life within rural communities of Fife.

Welfare in working order: points and principles for the Scottish debate - Part 1: Welfare 'reform' and mitigation in Scotland

Paper that is the first instalment of a three-part series on welfare. It examines the impacts of the UK Government’s welfare cuts and reforms. Subsequent papers will look at how Scotland uses existing powers better to improve prospects for learning and work, as well as exploring the potential for additional powers and the principles which should underline a progressive approach to welfare.

Everyday insecurity: life at the end of the welfare state

Briefing paper that shows how changes to welfare are now exacerbating the underlying challenges and driving up demand for local services, as people's incomes fall and access to support, such as childcare and social care, is reduced. It presents some of the unfolding stories, testimonies and case studies of the people and groups living and working in an age of uncertainty and austerity.

Implementing universal credit: will the reforms improve the service for users

Universal Credit (UC) will replace means-tested benefits and tax credits for people out of work or on low incomes, and transform the system of service delivery. But will UC improve service delivery and incentives to work, and reduce the complexity of the system?

This study found support for reform, but identified risks that need addressing if UC is to bring about genuine improvements for all service users.