ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the considerable amount of research conducted on take—up since the inception of the Beveridge inspired modern welfare state. It presents an analysis of the pensioner population, explores demographic and social economic trends, these changes are shown to have combined with policy change to lead to many more pensioners have some — often small — entitlement to means tested benefits. The book also explores the policy settlement, focusing particularly on Minimum Income Guarantee but also drawing issues connected with the beginning of Pension Credit. It examines the relationship between policy and non—take—up and the possibilities offered by policy intervention. The book discusses longitudinal analysis, conducted on the British Household Panel Survey, which isolates key factors associated with the take—up of Minimum Income Guarantee and Income Support.