What they have and what they do: social security and regulatory accountability

Abstract Social security claimants in the United Kingdom are drawn into a climate of accountability. The blend of law and administration means that they can be required to explain actions and expose choices to judgement. Claimants can be held accountable for ensuring not only that their possession‐ and labour‐based resources are factored into claim decisions, but also that they represent these resources accurately and use them ‘appropriately’. In short, they can be accountable for what they have and what they do . This article is important for setting out a new framework and offering fresh perspectives on accountability and regulation. It shows that those with authority are endeavouring to find ways of holding the less powerful to account and suggests that regulatory accountability contributes to a displacement of traditional accountability.