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Four Divergence in social policy

Abstract

This chapter defines policy divergence as a category of policies and strategies where significant differences can be identified between Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England as a consequence of decisions by devolved administrations. It notes that these policies lack major innovations or totally distinct policies, but diverge in significant ways. Health structures and governance is one main example that fall in this category. Other examples of these divergent policies are education and social care. It explains that health and education are the two areas of highest expenditure in all three devolved administrations.

Abstract

This chapter defines policy divergence as a category of policies and strategies where significant differences can be identified between Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England as a consequence of decisions by devolved administrations. It notes that these policies lack major innovations or totally distinct policies, but diverge in significant ways. Health structures and governance is one main example that fall in this category. Other examples of these divergent policies are education and social care. It explains that health and education are the two areas of highest expenditure in all three devolved administrations.

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents v
  3. Detailed contents vi
  4. List of tables ix
  5. List of abbreviations xi
  6. Acknowledgements xiii
  7. Introduction 1
  8. The salience of social policy in devolved policy, governance and expenditure 7
  9. Innovations, flagship policies and distinctiveness 35
  10. Divergence in social policy 55
  11. Incremental change and low-level differences 75
  12. Convergence in social policy 105
  13. Interfaces and overlaps 123
  14. Underpinning values and principles 143
  15. Comparison of outcomes by country 159
  16. Conclusion 181
  17. References 197
  18. Index 223
The impact of devolution on social policy
This chapter is in the book The impact of devolution on social policy
https://doi.org/10.56687/9781847422279-008

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents v
  3. Detailed contents vi
  4. List of tables ix
  5. List of abbreviations xi
  6. Acknowledgements xiii
  7. Introduction 1
  8. The salience of social policy in devolved policy, governance and expenditure 7
  9. Innovations, flagship policies and distinctiveness 35
  10. Divergence in social policy 55
  11. Incremental change and low-level differences 75
  12. Convergence in social policy 105
  13. Interfaces and overlaps 123
  14. Underpinning values and principles 143
  15. Comparison of outcomes by country 159
  16. Conclusion 181
  17. References 197
  18. Index 223
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