Social Security

Abstract

Social security policies should be considered in the context of significant levels of poverty which persist in society. Child poverty in Britain is three times higher than 20 years ago, and 40 per cent of British children are born into low-income families with unhealthy lifestyles. David Piachaud, professor of social policy at the LSE, observes that

out of all 13 year olds, 7% are regular smokers. Alcohol consumption among 11–15 year olds more than doubled in the 1990s; one quarter drink every week, averaging the equivalent of over four pints of beer. (Piachaud, 2000, p. 7)