Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this survey was to investigate the political debate about the future of welfare in Europe at a time when many commentators believe that governments will be unable to sustain current levels of welfare provision. Pressures on state welfare are increasing for a number of reasons. These include: rising numbers of elderly people who need pensions and health and social care; labour market changes leading to a sharp rise in under-employment and unemployment; changes in family structure, in particular the increasing number of one parent families; the introduction of expensive new medical technologies; the rising expectations of the public. At the same time there are strong pressures for constraint in welfare spending, resulting from widespread reluctance to pay higher taxes and contributions, the fiscal requirements of the Maastricht treaty and concern that high welfare spending makes European economies less competitive in the global market. The researchers of this study termed the problem of balancing these conflicting pressures <i>Squaring the Welfare Circle</i>. The research project examines the considerations that are likely to influence policy-makers through an interview survey of politicians and other key influentials.

Main Topics:

Opinions on actual and desirable policy in the following areas: health care; social care for elderly people; pensions; unemployment benefits; sickness benefits; family benefits; education; family policy; employment policy; the finance of social welfare; the role of the EU; challenges facing social welfare in the country over the next five years.

Purposive selection/case studies

to represent relevant political parties and interests

Face-to-face interview