European National Local Government

The European Union

The UK joined the EU in 1973

EU Policy Encompasses: Employment EU Migrants - Movement within EU

countries Working Conditions

Health and Safety at WorkSocial ExclusionPovertyWelfare and Family PolicyDisabilityAgeing

Objectives

Creation of Free Trade-Taxis and Tariffs

Customs Union-Charging of goods entering EU from other countries

Monetary Union-Single currency

EU Legislation

Regulations enforced by members and have immediate effect

Directives that apply minimum standards and members decide how best to achieve them

These require to be adhered to and overrule national law

Regulations and Decisions may only affect some member states where practice is different. eg

Working Time Directive

Working time for student doctors to be initially 58hrs then reduced to 48hrs

The European Court of Justice

Has a responsibilty to make sure EU member states uphold the Law

Can overturn national legal decisions as part of its appeals process

Central Government

Range of Departments affecting Health and Welfare include.

Department of HealthDepartment of Work and PensionsDepartment of Transport Department of Education and Skills

The Home OfficeThe Cabinet The TreasurySets Tax levels in England,

Northern Ireland and Wales

Scottish Parliament

Devolution allowed for the shift of power from Central Government to the Scottish Parliament which now has the power to:

Vary Income TaxIntroduce new Legislation Conduct Inquiries and Reports on

matters of public interest

Devolves certain social work duties to Local Authorities

Issue guidance on the implementation of legislation and policy

Guidance can vary between Local Authorities

Local Government

Social Service Departments are run by Local Authorities

In certain issues Local Authorities can be forced to comply with Central Government

Advice

Circulars can be distributed advising Local Authorities what to do. These are not legal documents and can be interpreted according to the view point of the councillors

Finance

Auditors can be used to check

that money issued is being spent

correctly

Duties

The Scottish Government devolves certain social work/social care duties to Local Authorities

Duties are mandatory therefore require to be carried out by Local authority Social Work departments

Guidance

The government issue guidance on the implementation of policy eg assess service users, devise care plans, implement support services

Interpretation of guidance can vary between Local Authorities