Clashing Agendas
Inside the Welfare Trap
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Nine Elms Books
Published:21st Jun '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This book presents an insider's view of welfare reform in the UK, detailing David Freud's significant role in introducing Universal Credit.
In Clashing Agendas, David Freud shares his unexpected journey as a politician and the significant impact he had on the welfare system in the United Kingdom. The narrative unfolds through a dialogue-driven format, providing a detailed account of his battles within Westminster and Whitehall to modernize welfare. One of the most notable reforms he introduced was Universal Credit, a move that sparked considerable debate and controversy. The book delves into the complexities of implementing such a pivotal change and highlights the challenges faced along the way.
The story begins with Freud's initial welfare proposals in 2007, which gained traction across various political parties. When the Conservative government sought his expertise, he took on the role of reforming the welfare system, motivated by a desire to eliminate the welfare trap that left many citizens dependent on state support. Throughout Clashing Agendas, readers gain insight into the intricate dynamics between politicians and civil servants, revealing how these relationships shape government operations.
Freud's personal account not only recounts the tumultuous journey of reform but also offers his perspectives on the future of the welfare system in the UK. He discusses potential strategies for the government to implement significant system reforms more effectively, drawing on lessons learned from his experiences. This engaging narrative serves as both a historical account and a thought-provoking commentary on the intricacies of policy-making.
"The big political beasts of the period stalk the pages - from Blair and Cameron to May and Johnson. Clashing Agendas illustrates the extraordinary difficulty of achieving worthwhile change in this country. It reads like a political thriller." MICHAEL DOBBS Conservative politician and creator of global best-selling novel and TV series House of Cards.; "A detailed account of one of the most important policy changes of modern times. David Freud was passionate about delivering a properly incentivised route out of poverty - and this book describes in riveting detail the challenges he had to overcome to deliver his vision of Universal Credit." PHILIP HAMMOND Chancellor of the Exchequer 2016 to 2019.; "A gripping tale of the life of a minister who, unusually, wanted to be a reformer in an area where casualties far outnumber survivors. Whether you like it or not, Universal Credit is one of the big reforms of the last decade and David Freud had his hand on the tiller throughout. If you want to be a reformer, Tory or Labour, read this book." ANDREW ADONIS Labour politician Secretary of State for Transport 2009-2010.; "The absolute insider's account of Universal Credit - conception to disaster to recovery. A story told with pace and pizzazz." NICHOLAS TIMMINS Journalist and author of The Five Giants: A Biography of the Welfare State.; "David Freud spent more time than any other minister at the centre of the biggest programme of welfare reform for half a century. In this fascinating account he takes us through the politics, the complexities, and the frustrations of delivering such a huge programme. Brimming with passion for improving our broken welfare system this is a classic insider's account, essential reading for anyone seeking an understanding not just of how welfare reform works, but how politics works." PAUL JOHNSON Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
ISBN: 9781910533529
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
368 pages