This title was first published in 2001. This volume, adopting a Scottish perspective, concentrates on welfare issues in the UK. The book acknowledges the fact that the Scottish legislative base has, historically, been different from the rest of the country, and explores the impact of these differences upon the nature of welfare institutions and service provision. The contributors also critically investigate the important changes being implemented in Scotland within the disaggregated local authority structure, exposing the resource implications for service providers. The book tackles policy issues ranging from poverty and social security to health care, education and criminal justice. An analysis of the relevant laws is incorporated into every chapter, together with an investigation of the crucial implications of social and welfare policies for family structure, class and ethnicity.