The textbook of well-known British authors - specialists in the field of social policy of the state represents a strict and consistent approach to the analysis of social problems from the standpoint of economic science. It examines both well-known areas of the economy where government intervention is taking place (education, health, social assistance and pensions, housing programs, crime) and relatively new social problems (climate change, traffic jams). The reader is offered a translation of the last, fourth edition, which reflects the changes of recent years both in the social problems themselves and in public policy, and also contains numerous examples from modern international practice. During the presentation, the authors introduce the reader to the necessary theoretical concepts and concepts, which makes the textbook available to those who are not yet well acquainted with economic theory. The publication is focused primarily on the preparation of undergraduate students of universities and faculties of economic profile, but will also be useful to those who study social policy, sociology and political science.