Introduction

This is a problematic chapter to lay out: by the time it appears in print, policy changes through the electoral process may well have altered what was current at the time of writing. It is nonetheless important to map out what drivers exist that might further community social work (CSW) and what might be used to promote it, or at the very least suggest it as a strategy that fits. As social services policy making is devolved to the governments in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, each jurisdiction (administration) will be examined separately. The Westminster Parliament presides over social services issues in England, as well as some welfare and overarching economic and fiscal duties in relation to the whole UK. The chapter will try to unravel some of the apparent complexities in a manner that will be relevant for at least the immediate future. The aim here is to offer some pointers about policy and legislation that might be used to argue for resources to create CSW approaches within social services organisations. Detailed discussion of all the legislation governing social work and community development is beyond the scope of this book.

Overarching past UK legislation of relevance are the Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010 and the Child Poverty Act 2010. The latter set targets for the eradication of child poverty that were to be pursued by the devolved parliaments (for a brief guide to social work legislation across the UK, see Turbett, 2018a).

This general discussion must start with an overview concerning context: although some are devolved, general tax- raising powers remain in the hands of the UK government in Westminster, which then allocates funding for the devolved governments to determine how to spend on the responsibilities they hold. The overall pot is determined by the Westminster allocation, which since 2010, has been affected by continued rounds of austerity. Although the value of these grant allocations has consequently reduced, wealth for a minority has increased dramatically, with an attendant increase in inequality and demands on welfare services (Dorling, 2018). Local governments, which remain responsible for the operational delivery of social services in England, Wales and Scotland (the situation differs in Northern Ireland, as will be explained), are in turn restricted by the amounts they receive from the government, which have also reduced over the years quite markedly as a consequence of austerity.