Research Papers (1980 - 1997)
Please note that the reports listed below have been digitised and are therefore too large to download. If you would like a copy of a report, please get in touch with us at SSAC@dwp.gsi.gov.uk and we will send you an electronic copy on a CD.
A Cross-National study of Social Security and Employment provisions (1997)
This report is an international comparison of approaches to supplementing the income from work and supporting the employment of disabled people with partial capacity for work.
Social Security provision for disability. A case for change (1997)
This report looks at each of the four principles in detail and considers whether they are still relevant and, if they are, to what extent they have been addressed in the last nine years. The four principles are;
- (i) The social security system should provide an adequate basic income for all disabled people who cannot support themselves fully, with parity of income between all groups;
- (ii) There should be help towards the extra costs which people incur because of their disabilities, assessed in relation to their particular disabilities;
- (iii) The benefit structure should provide incentives for disabled people to achieve independence through employment;
- (iv) Benefit entitlement rules should be readily understandable, disabled people should have ready access to social security offices and should be able to obtain help with a minimum of delay and inconvenience.
Social Security and Mental Health: Report on the SSAC workshop (1996)
The focus of this workshop was primarily the position of people with mental health problems, although it was recognised that their needs and difficulties may overlap with those of other groups, such as people with learning difficulties. This report explores the difficulties faced by people with mental health problems in dealing with the Social Security system and, where appropriate, suggests improvements to the system.
Outside the Banking system: A review of households without a current account (1994)
This report assesses the need for and possible ways of providing banking services to low-income households and assesses the impact it would have on the administration of Social Security.
Paying for care: Lessons from Europe (1993)
This report documents and compares existing arrangements for financial support of informal care in six European countries - Italy, Ireland, France, Germany, Finland and Sweden.
Housing Benefit: An appraisal (1992)
This report presents the findings of a review of research on the housing benefit scheme. It examines the structure of the current housing benefit scheme and the scope of assistance provided by the scheme.
Options for equality in State pension age: A case for equalising at 65 (1992)
This report looks at the possible options for equalisation and then considers the effects of equalisation on those receiving low incomes, the long term unemployed, chronically sick and disabled people and their carers and those with inadequate contribution records for whatever reason.
The Social Fund. A new structure (1992)
This report considers recommendations on the Social Fund. The proposals attempt to find a central position which balances the extremes.
Social Security provision for the unemployed (1991)
This report is a review of the development of provision for the unemployed which reveals a number of problems still under debate. These revolve around the tension between two competing policy objectives; to make provision which will relieve hardship, but also to maintain the incentive to seek and remain in gainful employment.
Social Security policy and hostels (1990)
This report looks at particular problems the benefit arrangements cause for hostel residents, because hostels house people who often need a great deal of support. There is a need to ensure that they can easily gain access to social security benefits; and that their particular needs are met by those benefits.
Credit, debt and poverty (1989)
This report shows patterns of income and expenditure, considering especially the evidence about cash flow problems in household budgets, and the need for particular items which cannot be met out of weekly income.
Why don't they go to work? Mothers on benefit (1989)
This report is a study of mothers on benefit, based on published or otherwise publicly available material. It is principally concerned with lone mothers with dependent children, but also gives attention to the wives of unemployed men on benefit.
Benefits for disabled people: A Strategy for change (1988)
This report explores ways in which Social Security can improve the support given so that disabled people can overcome their barriers.