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Social Policy
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Social Policy
Social policy addresses emerging problems in the society and helps effectuate development approaches. This policy instrument has developed from previous stratagems that failed in capacity to ensure every citizen had appropriate standards of living. For instance, Yi (2015) opines that the social security concepts and system developed out of the devastating effects of the great economic depression witnessed in the 1930s. The adverse impact witnessed during this period revealed the inadequacy of existing government measures of offering public assistance and national insurance. Additionally, Yi (2015) notes that during the great depression, the need for identifying the causes of socio-economic problems was also instrumental in the development of social policy measures. Herein, the paper discusses the economic trends that define social policy, while paying particular attention to the United Kingdom (UK). Essentially, each trend will be analyzed to identify how it impacts the UK’s social policy.
Economic Trends shaping the UK’s Social Policy
Transport Growth: Focus on Electric Cars
Globally, the transportation sector has undergone major growth in the past decades. In the UK, for instance, there have been tremendous developments in the railway sector in the past 20 years CITATION Hay16 l 2057 (Haynes, 2016). As an international hub, the global growth in aviation has also benefited the UK. While there are productive developments in transportation, it is essential that governments come up with regulations that facilitate the establishment of greener technologies in this sector.

Pollution from transportation is a major concern around the globe. For many governments, the switch from fossil fuel to renewable sources of energy is vital. The UK is at the forefront of this quest as it established its intent to ban both petrol and diesel powered cars and vans beginning 2040 CITATION Ast17 l 2057 (Asthana & Taylor, 2017). According to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) (2017), this step is geared to realize the Government’s Industrial Strategy that aims to shift the current financial system to a low-carbon economy. However, to accomplish reduced carbon emissions through the transition from internal combustion engines to electric cars requires policy support.
Mass-market endorsement of electric cars has been highlighted as one of the major ways of curbing the rise in carbon emissions. Nevertheless, the sales of plug-in vehicles still represent a very small percentage of the global car sales. The following policy implications may help the UK achieve its intended move to a low-carbon economy. To begin with, the country should ensure that it establishes legislations and pricing incentives that are favorable for the electric car market and champion development in their manufacture. Additionally, the UK government should fund and expedite development of rapid charging stations to guarantee enough charging stations across the country. Another policy suggestion is that the government should establish both financial and non-financial strategies to promote uptake of electric cars. Examples of these guidelines include purchase rebates and lower tax rates for electric vehicles and a carbon dioxide graded pollution fee for conventional cars. Non-financial benefits may include privileged parking and road use. To achieve its target of 100% uptake of electric cars by 2040, the UK government should invest in infrastructure and formulate regulations aimed at phasing out combustion engines. It is important to note that the resulting advantages such as cleaner air will enable the government to meet other policies such as those on health.
Poverty and Austerity
Presently, a large percentage of youth are still dependent on their parents or guardians for finances. Haynes (2016) notes that the majority of graduates in the UK are exiting school having accrued large long-term debts. Moreover, housing for this population will be almost impossible owing to the ridiculously high rents and house prices. According to Haynes (2016), the generational gap in the UK is staggering with most of the country’s assets owned by individuals above the age of 50 years. Ultimately, this imbalance will negate the government’s push for reduced welfare spending through increased demand for welfare from low paying jobs. Social policy changes such as subsidized education loans may help reduce these adverse effects.
The austerity programme in the UK was designed to reduce government deficit by cutting public spending while increasing taxes. This programme has received sharp criticism as some term it a deconstruction of social protection CITATION Vic17 l 2057 (Cooper & Whyte, 2017). This ‘fiscal discipline’ plan has seen immense reductions in budgets, particularly to local governments. The resulting impact is underfunded authorities and institutions, limiting their scope of influence and worsening the standards of living. It is imperative that the UK government abolishes austerity and comes up with a proper strategy to cut back on spending, as the current plan compromises on social welfare. Stopping austerity will restore spending power to the local authorities while lessening the burden of increased taxes to the poor. In essence, ending austerity will restore the economy through increased investment in the public sector.
Conclusion
Social policy is a vital tool for decision-making as it helps identify and address the emerging issues in the society. The paper has highlighted two major economic trends that might impact the UK’s social policy. It is imperative that the government of the day take into considerations these issues to ensure it improves the standards of living for its citizens.

References
BIBLIOGRAPHY Asthana, A., & Taylor, M. (2017, July 25). Britain to ban sale of all diesel and petrol cars and vans from 2040. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/25/britain-to-ban-sale-of-all-diesel-and-petrol-cars-and-vans-from-2040
Cooper, V., & Whyte, D. (2017, May 31). The true cost of austerity. Retrieved from Poverty and Social Exclusion: http://www.poverty.ac.uk/editorial/true-cost-austerity
ESRC. (2017, February). Supporting large-scale transition to electric cars. Retrieved from News, events and publications: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/news-events-and-publications/evidence-briefings/supporting-large-scale-transition-to-electric-cars/
Haynes, P. (2016, January 28). Four key economic trends shaping society. The Conversation. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/four-key-economic-trends-shaping-society-53570
Yi, I. (2015). New challenges for and new directions in social policy. Switzerland: United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD).