16 July 2009 – New publication by the Social Security Advisory Committee: rights and responsibilities in the social security system

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has published a new paper in its Occasional Paper series. The report, ‘Rights and Responsibilities in the Social Security System’, was commissioned by the SSAC and produced by Dr Julia Griggs and Ms Fran Bennett of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of Oxford. The report draws on discussions with stakeholders at SSAC’s annual Stakeholder Seminar in November 2008.

The paper provides an overview of the development of rights and responsibilities in the UK social security system and elsewhere, describes current and future policy in the UK, and summarises key evidence on the effectiveness of conditionality and benefit sanctions. The paper also discusses some of the issues that are raised when proposals are put forward to change the balance of rights and responsibilities in the social security system, especially by deepening or widening the responsibilities of claimants through an extension of conditionality.

The report is available on the SSAC website, http://www.ssac.org.uk, where further details of the Committee's remit, activities and membership can also be found.

Note for Editors:

The SSAC is the main UK advisory body for all social security matters except those relating to industrial injuries, war pensions, occupational pensions, and National Insurance contributions. Most proposals for social security regulations have to be submitted to the SSAC before they are made. When the Committee reports on regulations, the report is laid before Parliament with the regulations and a statement from the Secretary of State responding to any recommendations the Committee has made.