The Social Fund has been a controversial instrument of social policy in the UK since its introduction in 1988. This book brings together new research and debate on the role and effect of the Social Fund in relieving poverty, and introduces evidence and comparisons from the wider European field.

The Social Fund has been a controversial instrument of social policy in the UK since its introduction in 1988. This book discusses its role and effect and introduces evidence from the wider European field to allow comparisons to be made.

'Despite the widespread criticisms voiced over the introduction of the Social Fund in the 1980s and the many changes in social security and anti-poverty policy since then, it has remained a largely unaltered - and perhaps largely forgotten - feature of the support, or lack of it, provided to some of the poorest citizens in this country. This book provides us with an extensive review of the scheme setting it in both a historical and comparative context, and is a timely reminder of the continuing need for an urgent review of this area of support.' Pete Alcock , Professor of Social Policy and Administration, University of Birmingham UK 'There is diversity both in subject and in focus...For those who wish to understand the context and development of this area of social security policy,...this is an excellent collection...hopefully the publication of the book will re-ignite some further debate.' Cambridge University Press