Understanding Devolution and Social Policy: A Cross UK Comparison

by Ann Marie Gray, Derek Birrell, Alexandra Chapman

Overview

Comparing developments across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, this textbook explores the scope and use of social policy over the last decade by the devolved administrations.

Students are guided through different policy initiatives undertaken by the devolved administrations, the consequences of enhancing devolved government powers and the divergence resulting from their decisions not to follow changes in policy implemented in England.

This accessible and relatable text enables students to delve into topical social policy issues, identify major influences on social policy developments and understand theories on multi-spatial governance, policy transfer and differential citizenship rights. Key features to support student learning include:

• overview and summary sections to bookend each chapter;

• diagrams, tables, figures and charts;

• reflection exercises and questions;

• recommended reading and resources.

As they discover the impact of the enhancement of devolved powers in each jurisdiction, students will gain a comprehensive and contemporary picture of social policy across the UK.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447355182
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	09/01/2026
Series:	Understanding Welfare: Social Issues, Policy and Practice
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ann Marie Gray is Professor of Social Policy at Ulster Universityand Co-Director of ARK.

Derek Birrell is Professor of Social Administration at Ulster University.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Growth of social policy powers in devolved countries

3. Policy capacity

4. Financing devolved services

5. Social policy divergence

6. Social policy convergence

7. Overlapping services

8. Examining performance

9. Conclusions