Social Inclusion and the `Get Heard' Process Implications for the Horizontal and Vertical Integration of Governance and Policy in the UK

Since 1997, there has arguably been a 'rediscovery' of those most at risk of poverty and social exclusion by New Labour. Within this context, it is important to consider the European, national and sub-national policy frameworks within which interventions are being developed. The European Union's 'Open Method of Co-ordination' is of relevance given its emphasis on making a decisive impact on poverty and social exclusion by 2010 through stimulating domestic policy processes in the form of National Action Plans on Inclusion (NAPSI). It also attempts to provide a coordinating framework for member states to exchange policy ideas and practices. As part of the development of the 2006-8 UK NAPSI, a Social Policy Task Force worked jointly with the Department of Work and Pensions to take forward the 'Get Heard' process — a mechanism to ensure that the views of those at the 'grassroots' could be fed into the process of developing the plan. This article presents key findings from one case study area (Merseyside). There is a subsequent consideration of the degree to which either informal or more formalized arrangements are conducive to securing enhanced horizontal and vertical integration in governance frameworks, policy making and service delivery for those most marginalized