Anti-poverty Activities in a Liberal Welfare Model: Local Levers and Multi-level Tensions in Glasgow, UK

Abstract

Using a case study of Glasgow, UK, this chapter discusses the design and delivery of anti-poverty activities in a post-industrial left-wing city located within a national liberal welfare model. Focusing on the multi-level architecture of the British welfare state, the chapter draws attention to the local arrangement and institutional relations between organisations engaged in employment, social service and broadly speaking, anti-poverty work in the city. As well as outlining the role of public and non-public sector organisations, Bennettexplores issues of partnership working, competing initiatives and the politics of poverty. This chapter outlines the levers local actors utilise to deliver anti-poverty services and reflects on multi-level tensions, competing agendas and conflicting ways of working.