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Social Policy Essay

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Unit 7 Social Policy

LO1

Understand the significant historical and contemporary landmarks in social welfare provision

1.1 Outline significant historical and contemporary landmarks in social policy.
Social policy is the study of social services and the welfare state. In general terms, it looks at the idea of social welfare, and its relationship to politics and society. More specifically, it also considers detailed issues in * policy and administration of social services, including policies for health, housing, income maintenance, education and social work; * needs and issues affecting the users of services, including poverty, old age, health, disability, and family policy; and * The delivery of welfare.
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1965 - The Family Allowances Act, the National Insurance Act and the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act consolidated previous legislation.
1966 - The Social Security Act abolishes National Assistance and replaces it with Supplementary Benefits. The National Assistance Board becomes the Supplementary Benefits Commission; and after means testing, non-contributory benefits and allowances are introduced.
1967 - The General Practice Finance Corporation is set up.
1970 - Local Authority Social Services Act leads to the setting up of social services departments within local authorities.
The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act extends the powers and duties of local authorities to help disabled people.
The National Insurance Act extends eligibility for widows' pensions; introduces non-contributory pensions and Attendance Allowance for disabled people.
The Family Income Supplements Act provides for a new benefit for families with small incomes. The families are exempted from health service charges and children are eligible for free school meals.
1973 - The Social Security Act introduces introduces earnings related contributions; annual reviews; and phases out the graduated pensions scheme.
1975 - Free family planning services are made available, from all NHS clinics to all people, irrespective of age and marital status.
1975 - The Child Benefit Act replaces family allowances with child benefits.

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