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 Work Social Exclusion Poverty Welfare and Family Policy Disability Ageing

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 Health Department of Work and Pensions Department of Transport Department of Education and Skills

The Home Office The Cabinet The Treasury Sets 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 Tax Introduce 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