Introduction

This chapter aims to assess how local control of Social Assistance schemes works in practice according to agreed criteria. The Department of Social Security received the final reports from a major study of Social Assistance arrangements in the 24 OECD countries in October 1995. The chapter examines the relationship between central, regional and local authorities in the financing and administration of Social Assistance. A study was commissioned to examine the strengths and weaknesses of these arrangements in four European countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. The chapter discusses financial and political pressure points and emerging policy options. Respondents, from each of the countries, were required to prepare statements on the operation of the Social Assistance schemes and to provide answers to specific questions.