Campaign For Change

What is social policy work?

All of us are affected by policies (rules) and practices (ways of working) which shape the services and benefits that we all rely on.

Many policies and practices are evident in legislation, regulations, codes of practice, other administrative guidelines and the policies of service providers. However, they are not always written down or otherwise made explicit. This is often the case in the delivery or administration of services.

Some policies affecting Citizens Advice clients are national, such as social security, employment and immigration. Some are national but administered according to local policies and practices such as housing benefit, community care, housing, health and education. Others are local, such a local authority collection of council tax arrears or school uniform grants.

One of the aims of the Citizens Advice service is "to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives" and this is what is known as "social policy work".

Example of our Social Policy Work

Personal Independence Payment: Fit for Purpose?

As part of our social policy work we have produced a report examining whether the disability benefit designed to support some of the most vulnerable is meeting its objectives. You can read it here: PIP: Fit for Purpose?