European integration is an open-ended, ongoing process which has been deeply challenged by integral world capitalism. This study explores the present EU foundational dilemma, looking at the problematic relationship between the ideal model of integration and the reality of the 21st century. Including contributions from leading theorists, this volume explores the ways and extent to which the present European crisis could create a politico-legal space for new possibilities and opportunities for action. The authors discuss the current role of the EU, and whether it aspires to be a democratic polity or a functional organization based on inter-governmental bargaining. The chapters question whether the future of European integration after the crisis will be paved by decisions which conflict with its Treaty basis, and how it might come up with alternatives which would do more than echo the compulsions of the global market. Issues are analysed from a historical perspective to see what can be learnt from its past and to explore the options for the future. With contributions from prominent international legal and political scholars, the book will be of interest to academics, students and policy-makers working in these areas.

Social rented housing in Britain is undergoing radical reform - often inspired by European experiences. This timely report provides a comparative analysis of the social rented sector in seven European countries. Combined with analysis of labour market and social security systems, it challenges the assumptions behind the British reform agenda. Social market or safety net?: analyses the ownership, allocation, pricing and financing of the social rented sector in seven European countries; presents the first comparative data on the social composition of the main tenures; highlights the comparative poverty of tenants of social rented housing in the UK compared with their European counterparts; links housing to social security systems; provides a critique of the current reform agenda in the UK

Since the start of the twenty-first century, urban communities have faced increasing challenges in housing affordability, with environmental issues causing additional concern. It is clear that changes to urban housing are needed to enhance the resilience of cities and improve the economic, social and physical well-being of residents. This book provides a comparative cross-national perspective on urban housing and sustainability in Europe, exploring the key barriers and drivers associated with sustainable urban development and community regeneration. Country-specific chapters allow for easy comparison, with each summarizing how sustainable housing operates in the country in question, before going on to discuss the key barriers and drivers at play. This book brings a sustainability perspective to the comparative housing literature which frequently fails to integrate the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainability. The book outlines many of the changes that professionals and residents will need to make to their practices and cultures in order to enhance housing resilience. Students, researchers and professionals with an interest in sustainable housing creation and regeneration will find this book an invaluable reference.

BSHF launched this report in the House of Lords on 14th October 2009. 'The Future of Housing: Rethinking the UK housing system for the twenty-century' is a wide-ranging examination that asks: Where are we now? Where do we want to be? How can we get there? The report summarises the discussions of a recent Consultation at St George's House, Windsor Castle. This Consultation brought together experienced practitioners and academics from different housing-related disciplines as well as those with experience from Continental Europe and North America. Lord Best, OBE was the chair of this event, which was coordinated by the Building and Social Housing Foundation.

This book is about tax and social policy and how they interact with each other. The impact of taxation as an instrument of social policy is central in influencing redistribution and behaviour. This broad-based edited collection fills a significant gap in both literatures, bringing together disparate debates in this emerging area of analysis. It guides readers through the key interactions of tax and social policies and the central debates and challenges posed by their effect on each other. It examines how analyses might be combined and policy options developed for more effective delivery and impact in both areas.

The UK housing system has been described as being in ‘crisis’, but suddenly in 2020 homes were on the COVID-19 frontline, used for shielding, isolating and care. Most were used by more people, for more hours, for more activities. Many households were cut off from normal services and contacts, and many lost the means to pay for their homes. Millions of infections occurred at home, and inequalities in household type, housing space, cost and tenure contributed to the unequal impact of the pandemic. This book brings together a wealth of data, individual testimony and analysis, in one convenient resource for students, scholars and practitioners.

In this fifth edition of the best-selling core introductory textbook, Pete Alcock and Lee Gregory provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to social policy. Continuing with the unbeaten narrative style and accessible approach of the previous editions, the authors explore the major topics of social policy in a clear and digestible way. By breaking down the complexities behind policy developments and their outcomes, the book demonstrates the relationship between core areas of policy and the society we live in. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to cover the impact of Brexit and contains reflections on the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for social policy. Each chapter contains comprehension activities to aid understanding, as well as helpful summary points and suggestions for further reading.

The first text available on the housing-planning interface, this book shows the relationship between planning and housing supply and addresses fundamental questions about the current housing crisis, through examining its history and evolution.