Social Policy

Social policy is the set of rules and principles that shape the services and benefits that people rely on. Social policy has a major influence over the lives of Citizens Advice Bureau clients.

These rules and principles are evident in legislation, regulations, codes of practice, other administrative guidelines and policies of service providers. Social policy is less visible when the principles are not written down or otherwise made explicit. This is often the case in the delivery or administration of services.

Some policies affecting CAB clients will be national, such as social security, employment and immigration. Many will be national but administered according to local policies and practices such as housing benefit, community care, housing, health and education.

One of the aims of the CAB service is to "exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally."