Impact of the Discretionary Social Fund

Impact of the Discretionary Social Fund The Discretionary Social Fund: Discretion but Little Valour! The introduction of the Social Fund in 1988 was politically driven. Prior to its introduction, there were available a series of grants (â€Å"Single Payments†) which were available as of right. The imperative which drove the measure was the need to constrain the ever-burgeoning Social Security budget. Of course, certain of the stated aims were superficially laudable[1]: â€Å"To concentrate attention and help on those applicants facing greatest difficulties in managing on their income; To enable a more varied response to inescapable individual need than could be achieved under the previous rules; To break new ground in the field of community care† However, it might be argued that in pursuing the aims of containing the Social Security budget without adversely affecting the efficiency of the main Income Support scheme, the three objectives described above have become neglected or even prejudiced. So much so that the Select Committee on Social Security[2] has questioned whether the Fund has succeeded in its stated objective of helping the poorest and most vulnerable in society and has urged the Government radically to reassess (â€Å"urgent overhaul and an injection of funds†) the working of the fund, in particular â€Å"so that it may work to enhance the strategy to reduce child poverty, rather than work against it†. Particular concern has been expressed by charities working in the field of child poverty[3]. The Discretionary Social Fund operates within fiscal policies and weightings and is subject to cash limits for each administrative area. This gives rise to criticism that applications to the Fund are subject to both a â€Å"postcode† and a â€Å"calendar lottery†. The components of the Social Fund are: Community Care Grants (â€Å"CCGsâ€Å"); Budgeting Loans; and Crisis Loans. By contrast with the previous system, the availability of grants as opposed to loans has become severely restricted. The FWA[4] acknowledges that while CCGs are intended to help people remain or re-establish themselves within the community: â€Å"†¦decisions are discretionary and are subject to cash limits, what counts as exceptional pressure can vary and the Social Fund Inspectors regularly see cases that have been refused when qualifying conditions have been met and a payment should have been granted.† More pernicious still is the shift in emphasis to loans. This may be presented politically as an admirable social objective, discouraging continued reliance on â€Å"hand outs† and encouraging a sense of financial self-discipline and responsibility. In reality, the insistence upon repayment militates against the escape from poverty of those of the most limited means. The principle which underlies Budgeting Loans is again admirable: interest free lending to those who are in difficulty budgeting after a period on benefits and usually used for the purchase of essential household items such as beds and cookers. Admittedly they provide invaluable support to those who are unable to access other forms of credit and are directly repayable from benefit thus ensuring repayment discipline. However, they are also subject to the â€Å"postcode lottery† described above and the repayment rates are high and inflexible (78 weeks at between 5%-25% of benefit). Strict rules discourage repeat applications or â€Å"topping up†. The end result is a failure adequately to meet the needs of many poor families giving rise to particular concern for the welfare of the children within such households. This is as a result of what should have been predicted to be an unacceptable imkpact upon weekly income: benefit rates are by definition calculated to meet the su bsistence expenses of the family unit in question. Deductions from such a minimal level of income cannot fail to lead to hardship. However, a more positive evaluation of the Social Fund is supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions[5] which describes it as â€Å"an extremely important and highly valued source of financial support for recipients. It had a positive impact on recipients’ life situation, and made a considerable difference to the housing condition in which people lived.† However, in common with the FWA, the authors of this report acknowledge that â€Å"there was limited knowledge of rules and eligibility criteria among recipients† and â€Å"there may also be scope to providing more training to staff on some of the barriers that recipients face when applying† and to â€Å"offer financial advice to recipients when providing information on the Social Fund†. There are also glaring deficiencies in the procedure by which Social Fund decisions may be reviewed. Dissatisfied claimants may seek internal reviews of initial decisions and further review by the Social Fund Inspectors of the Independent Review Service of the Social Fund. Such decisions are themselves susceptible to judicial review. However, as Pick and Sunkin[6] question: â€Å"Created out of compromise, is the IRS review system to be regarded as an administrative device for deflecting criticism of an unsound system by means of symbolic due process..?† It is not possible in a submission of this length to do more than scratch the surface of the impact of the discretionary social fund. However, as has been demonstrated, the system is fundamentally flawed in principle and defective in operation. There is an appalling parallel with the operation of the much-maligned Child Support Agency. The latter was born of a political desire to reduce the burden imposed on the social security budget by feckless parents but has in many instances signally failed to deliver benefit to the intended recipients. The loan-dominated mechanism of the Social Fund similarly fails to meet the avowed social policy objectives of the government. Bibliography Buck, T. Smith, R., A Critical Literature Review of the Social Fund, (Summary Report) for The National Audit Office (7 April 2004) Department for Work and Pensions, The Discretionary Social Fund and Money Management, Research Report No 241 (2005) Family Welfare Association, ‘Like it or Lump It’, A Role for the Social Fund in Ending Child Poverty, April 2002 Pick, K. Sunkin, M., The Changing Impact of Judicial Review: The Independent Review Service of the Social Fund, (2001) PL 736 Select Committee on Social Security, Third Report, The Social Fund: A Lifeline for the Poor Or the Fund that Likes to Say No? (2001) HC 232 Footnotes [1] Select Committee on Social Security, Third Report, The Social Fund: A Lifeline for the Poor Or the Fund that Likes to Say No? (2001) HC 232, para.1 [2] Op. Cit., paras.117-118 [3] Family Welfare Association, ‘Like it or Lump It’, A Role for the Social Fund in Ending Child Poverty, April 2002 [4] Op. Cit., Chapter 2 [5] Department for Work and Pensions, The Discretionary Social Fund and Money Management, Research Report No 241 (2005), p.5 [6] Pick, K. Sunkin, M., The Changing Impact of Judicial Review: The Independent Review Service of the Social Fund, (2001) PL 736 at p.740

Psmp Unit 1 – Reading Report – Federalism

Purpose: To inform the reader by outliningthe dialogue that took place at the ASSA/IPAA Federalism Rountable in May, 2007. Wanna summarises discussions on the: -historical trajectory and present characteristics of Australian federalism; -perceived shortcomings and challenges surrounding ourcurrent system of government; -relevance of federalism both from an increasingly globalised national perspective and within a nation of small population and relative cultural homogeny; and -various suggestions from those present to bring aboutreform. 77) Argument/Findings The Paper articulates the collective findings of those present at the Roundtable. Wanna makes comment on some main themes that emanated e. g. whilst considerable faith was placed in a clearer demarcation of governmental roles and responsibilities to address federalism’s perceived current ‘malaise’, Wanna notes there was nothing put forward to firmly support this assumption and consequentlyquestions the true wor th of articulating and clarifying roles and responsibilities.The Paper highlightsthe Roundtable’s observationthat numerous federal nationshave tended towards centralisation in recent times, coupled with declines in regional and localised identity; it predicted a gravitation of national issues to the Commonwealth level and a shift of regional and service delivery issues towards State governments over the next 20 years.There was consensus that greater trust, ‘strategic pragmatism’ and improved intergovernmental relations were needed to reform federalism and provide enhanced policy outcomes for the Australian community. (149) Evidence The Paper provides a firsthand summary of discussion, findings and suggestions from a Roundtable of politicians, senior state and federal public servants, and academics, supported by background information papers from credible sources. (32) Observations The Paper is a record of a collective discussion, notan argumentative essay. The do es not, nor does it purport to be, a balanced view of federalism in a broader or historical sense. -Roundtables by their very nature are high level and do not allow for drilling down to the finer details of an issue; this is worth bearing in mind when considering the article as some of the context may have been overlooked in relation to the finer points made by participants. The Paperhighlights that federalism has by necessity proven to be a much more flexible and dynamic governance structure than waslikely envisaged at its inception;it could be argued that federalism’s seeming robustness and changeability is entirely appropriate to what is now a highly changeable local, national and globalised community, despite looking markedly different to what it may have first looked like at federation. -It is submitted that the need for greater levels of trust between levels of government to make federalism work is potentially made more challenging by the dynamic of our two-party system of government. 185) Other relevant or related readings 1. Keddie, J. N and R. F. I. Smith. 2009, ‘Leading from Below: How Sub-National Governments Influence Policy Agendas. ’Australian Journal of Public Administration, No. 68 Vol. 1, pp. 67-82. Rather than outlining a perceived malaise and decrease in the relevance of the States in our federal system, Keddie& Smith argue that States have a responsibility to ensure they remain integral tobroader policy and decision-making agendas. (45) 2. Hollander, R. And H. Patapan. 2007, ‘Pragmatic Federalism: Australian Federalism from Hawke to Howard. ’ Australian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. 6 No. 3 pp. 280-297 The Hollander & Patapan article provides broader historical analysis that seeks to explain fundamental aspects of our system of federalism and conclusions on why the trend of centralisation has occurred. (30) 3. Parkin, A. 2003, ‘The States, Federalism and Political Science: A Fifty-Year Apprais al. ’ Australian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. 62 No. 2, June, pp. 101-112 The Parkin Paper provides broader analysis of the state of federalism than both the Wanna and Hollander & Patapan articles, providing a fifty year appraisal of Australian governance from the States’ perspective. (32)

Water Pollution in Cambodia

Cambodia water pollution Water is really important for every life on earth, which is one common acknowledge that every one has knew for a long time. As a Cambodia citizen, the water pollution issue can make myself to really consider about it. For all Cambodia citizens, who living on the water as I saw in the pictures know that they are living in the really dangerous everyday life. Cambodia reputation is the country of wonderful that full with adventure and so much more that you and I want to see.But come to place to live for the citizen, Cambodia is the country that facing the biggest issue in the country. When I saw this picture of the houses on the water, and how people using that water for daily life, my heart becomes full with sadness, worry about those people. My thought has come with three reactions, which are their health, children, and government’s plan. My first reaction was thinking about how that they do not know about all the dangerous that they are facing everyday . I personally do not know what is the right question to ask them, if I can have a chance.Too often those areas become the only place that they can build their house, and I do not know what could be their reasons for them to choose that area. There are so many reasons that come to my mind when I saw all their face, but I do not know if all my reasons could be the same as their reasons. One reason has come to my mind when I writing this essay is that they have no choice to choose that place because of their family economy. My second reaction was about their health. Most of people who living in there right now are getting sick from that water that they are using.That water has been polluted with so many sources and come from many different places. The mostly important, the governments do not try to find a way to help them with the water. There are so many ways that I believe that they can do, but they did not want to do it. My lastly reaction was that many organizations from around th e world, which are trying to fix that situation. They had been trying to do so many things from the areas such as money, program, and show example for people on the field. I had been acknowledging about some organizations that they are ostly focusing on the young people because they want those children growing in the safe environment. Do you know that so many young born children are dying because the bacteria in the water? On my conclusion, my country is facing with the biggest issue and we are really needed to fix it. Cambodia is the most wonderful country for all tourists to seek for new adventures, and we need our next generation children to keep our country to grow in future. Water pollution issue need to be stop, and we need to work together as Cambodian to stop it.

Professionalism and Social Media - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 890 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Career Essay Level High school Tags: Professionalism Essay Did you like this example? During our first semester of nursing school, we have learned a lot about professionalism in the nursing role. One of the topics that has come up often in class and in discussion is the use of social media. Today, social media is used by so many in our generation and is a hot topic issue among the health care professions. Most people use some degree of social media everyday (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.). It provides a space for people to share feelings and personal stories. However, using social media in a clinical setting can carry serious implications. I chose the article #Boundaries: When patients become friends. I found this article and topic fascinating. Most of us use social media but dont often think about the implications it could have on our nursing career or even just in nursing school. Often things posted on social media may seem very innocent but can cause serious harm to ourselves and our patients if we are not careful. Most people think privacy features on social media will protect them. However, people can share posts, screenshot images, and forward them to others. Once you post something on social media, it is there and available forever. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Professionalism and Social Media" essay for you Create order This particular article addresses the nurses responsibility to maintain boundaries and the potential risk to the professional image. (cite article) It talks about the importance of not becoming friends with patients or the family members of the patient. By becoming friends with the family or patient, they are able to view everything on your social media site. They may view something that they believe will interfere with the care of their loved one. This can be brought to the attention of the nursing supervisor and you can be removed from caring for that patient. Something as innocent as posting that you were out late the night before, the patient can report this to the charge nurse and have you re-assigned because they believe you will not provide them adequate care because you may be tired. The article also talks about the use of social media and how it can lead to breaches in privacy and confidentiality. Even when posting non-descript patient information on social media, it can lead to an unintentional breach of confidentiality. We have a duty to each patient to protect their privacy. As the article states, When engaging in personal social media use, nurses must consider not only the privacy of the patients, but also the implications for the professional image of themselves and anyone potentially linked to their posts. (Slobogian, V., Giles, J., Rent, T., 2017, para 7). When we breach patient confidentiality, it exposes us to increased scrutiny in the publics eye. (Slobogian, V., Giles, J., Rent, T., 2017, para 7). This is so important because nursing is finally recognized as a profession and we dont want to jeopardize the way the public views nursing. I understand how social media and breaches of confidentiality can affect the professionalism of the nurse. I believe many people can be careless with their social media, often not realizing that they are affecting the way the public views nurses. As our textbook says Patient confidentiality is a sacred trust. HIPAA establishes the basis for privacy and confidentiality concerns, viewed as two basic rights within the U.S. health care setting. (Potter, Perry, Stockert, Hall, Ostendorf, 2017, p. 306). If we break that trust, then we are damaging the image of nursing in the eyes of the patient and their family. We must always keep the patient and the family at the forefront of everything we do. We are patient-centered, and our actions should reflect that. My perception of the nursing role in regard to professionalism has not changed that dramatically. I understand the importance of professionalism and the role of the nurse. I am surprised that it has taken so long for nursing to be named a profession. It is our responsibility to uphold that image and it is our duty to provide excellent care and be professional in all things we do. We must always be mindful of our actions and words no matter our environment. We must portray the image of nursing in a positive way. I am proud to say that I am a nursing student and am glad to have chosen this career path. As a nursing student, we must conduct ourselves in a responsible and be respectful of the patients we encounter in the clinical setting. We must always keep confidentiality top of mind allowing ourselves not to post anything about our experiences on social media or even discuss them with friends and family. In conclusion, social media within the healthcare profession, especially nursing, is a hot topic issue. If you are not careful, social media can lead to breaches of confidentiality and privacy of the patient. We must always be cognizant of what we are posting and how others will perceive it. We must not blur the lines of the patient-nurse relationship, accepting friend requests from the patient and patients family. We are under scrutiny all the time and if we do not present ourselves in a professional manner, then it can damage the image of nursing in the publics eye. As a profession, we are held to a very high ethical standard to protect our clients confidentiality. We must be very attentive to our actions. (Cherry Jacob, 2017, p. 345)