Redistribution of social and societal risk: the impact on individuals, communities and their networks in Scotland

UK austerity measures impact adversely and more acutely on already disadvantaged groups and communities. Focusing on the distinctive policy within Scotland, this research addresses the lack of evidence concerning the redistribution of societal risks down to the level of the individual user to inform public debate, decision-making and practice. Policy analysis, focus-group discussions and interviews are used to consider: • the evidence of risk transmission via cuts to public spending at a local level; • the evidence of risk transfer via Welfare Reform; • the existing coping strategies and potential for risk absorption and mitigation; • how the cumulative effect of recent changes affects the distribution and the intensity of social risks experienced by particular groups and
individuals; and • the need to ameliorate any deleterious impact of the risk shift on the most vulnerable groups in society.