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This paper considers the challenges faced by The Big Issue street vendors in the United Kingdom (UK) in an increasingly cashless society. It reviews the future sustainability options for street vendors in the UK and Australia, particularly in light of the UK's departure from the EU which will impact on the numbers of vendors and employees available to The Big Issue. Strategic workforce development planning will need to be undertaken with an eye to long term sustainable business practices. The Big Issue will also need to develop a sustainable distribution system including the location of centralized distribution points across the UK and Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of direct payments on social isolation. We define what social isolation means, and then evaluate the role of direct payments in the provision of social services in the United Kingdom. Social isolation is a particular problem for older people. In Australia there are an increasing number of older residents who are isolated, but would benefit from having greater choice in terms of how they access and receive social services. Increased access to direct payments could help to reduce waiting lists for traditional social services and address gaps in service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]