The Divisive State of Social Policy: The ‘Bedroom Tax’, Austerity and Housing Insecurity, First Edition
Kelly Bogue


Hardback | Sep 2019 | Policy Press | 9781447350538 | 208pp | 234x156mm | RFB | AUD$179.99, NZD$214.99

The 'Bedroom Tax' has been one of the most contentious aspects of the UK government's austerity politics. In this book Kelly Bogue provides an authoritative assessment of its social impacts.

Harnessing personal stories from one estate, The Divisive State of Social Policy traces the links between Housing Benefit reforms and inequality. It explores issues related to the Bedroom Tax including housing insecurity, poverty and damage to social networks.

This is a vivid picture of the sharp end of austerity politics and welfare reform, and gets to the heart of the meanings of home and community in the UK today.

'Based on the research the author undertook for her Ph.D. thesis on the effects of the 'bedroom tax'… this book is an example of precisely the kind of subject for which qualitative research is so important.' — Citizen's Basic Income