ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a double context within which it is possible to describe and evaluate the structure, strengths and weaknesses of Social Assistance. Constitutional principles, political structures and the day-to-day dynamics of centre-local relations all impact on the extent to which responsibility for the development of policy, the financing of schemes and the delivery of benefits is devolved to sub-national authorities. Although all countries are experiencing similar demographic and economic pressures, options for the reform of Social Assistance reflect the diverse political structures and values of each state. In Switzerland, a federal state par excellence, the cantons are responsible for policy, finance and delivery of Social Assistance. In addition to the differences between the countries which exist as a result of history and national political culture, it is necessary to distinguish, at a theoretical level, between political deconcentration on the one hand, and administrative/executive decentralisation on the other.
