The financial crisis of 2008 led the United Kingdom's Labour Government to make changes--primarily cuts--to social programs and a wide range of social services. The subsequent Coalition Government followed those changes with much more dramatic cuts. This book offers the first in-depth empirical analysis of the two governments and their approach to social policy in a period of crisis, assessing policy aims, policy implementation, and measurable outcomes.

The financial crisis of 2008 led the United Kingdom's Labour Government to make changes--primarily cuts--to social programs and a wide range of social services. The subsequent Coalition Government followed those changes with much more dramatic cuts. This book offers the first in-depth empirical analysis of the two governments and their approach to social policy in a period of crisis, assessing policy aims, policy implementation, and measurable outcomes.

Discussion of convergence in the EU in recent years has centred on economic indicators related to monetary union and the single European currency, but it is the convergence of living standards that is the ultimate goal of European integration.This book analyses the living standards of the nearly 80 million children in the EU, who represent over a fifth of the Union's total population. The well-being of Europe's children is important now - and the nature of their progress to adulthood will have a major impact on the shape of Europe's future.By analysing the trends of child well-being in Europe...