LAUSR

the case because sanctions are not its only manifestation. Judging by the inclusion of a chapter onConditionality and the Changing Relationship between Citizen and the State [ch. , pp. –], Adler would probably agree. And yet, the chapter is extremely short, and leaves the reader (at least, this reader) asking for more to be said on the matter. Seemingly aware that some readers may not be persuaded by the moral argument, Adler argues that they are not even effective. The harsh treatment, it transpires, manages to move only a small minority (in one study, . per cent) of the unemployed into employment, whilst a far larger cohort (. per cent) ‘drop out’ of the system altogether, i.e. no longer claim benefits, but do not find work. Instead, fed up with the sanction regime, they become homeless or move to live with family or relatives, at least for some time [pp. –]. Those who remain subject to the sanction regime state that it had a negative effect on their wellbeing, has led them to become homeless, use food banks and resort to crime. Under this heading of effectiveness, one may include the institutional element, which surfaces at several points in the book. I refer to the fact that important aspects of the programme have been outsourced to private providers, who are ‘paid by results’ and, thus, may benefit from reducing the welfare rolls by ‘creaming’ and ‘parking’ claimants [p. , ]. The final charge in Adler’s assault is devoted to the law pertaining to these policies and practices. Unsurprisingly, as an esteemed legal academic with decades of experience on the subject, this is where Adler has most to say. He explains that the failures are both procedural and substantive. First, building on his previous work, he argues that the current regime fails basic tests of administrative justice, by eradicating independent adjudication; the creation of Personal Advisors who impose conditionality; and introducing ‘Mandatory Reconsideration’ as a precondition to appeal (thus reducing the likelihood of success). Second, at the constitutional level, the sanctions fail to protect an individual’s right to a social minimum, as enshrined in the ECHR, the ICESCR and the ESC (ch. ); and do not comply with a serious commitment to the rule of law (ch. ). In sum, this is not only an informative book, but one written with (perhaps Quixotic) passion and fervour that are not common enough in academic literature. It seeks not only to educate and inform, but to contribute towards making the world (of benefit sanctions in the UK, at least) a fairer place, and for that it should be commended.