Britain-1905-14 Reforms For Pensioners Flashcards
What was the example of pensions working abroad that inspired the reform
Since the 1880s in Germany
What were arguments against pensions
- Open ended about how much money would be spent on it
- Existing charities were hostile to government intervention
- Would reduce individual saving for old age and reduce connection of families with elderly and grandparents
What were some limitations of pensions
- Initially only for 70+
- Only for those with under £31income per year
- Incomes between £21 and £31 recieved significantly less
- Restrictions- those in workhouses were only allowed to opt out of workhouses and get National Insurance by 1911
- Married couples only recieved 7s6d (living conditionsa assumed to cost less)
How much money was originally given in pensions?
Those under £21 pounds per year recieved 5 shillings a week
= £19.5 per year
comfortable living wage per year of £50
What was a comfortable living wage in 1900 (per year)?
£50 per year
What did the introduction of pensions bring as a principle to the government?
If the government had a duty to care for the elderly, then consequently they would have a duty to care for the sick, the poor and the unemployed.
When was the National Insurance Act and who introduced it?
1911- David Lloyd George
What did National Insurance derive from?
- successful schemes in Germany
- recognition of an outdated poorlaw system and a need for relief from the system
- concerns over national efficiency
- recognition that an industrialised nation needs healthy workers
- a growing belief in state intervention
What were some down sides of National Insurance for young people?
Despite offering school medical inspections identifying illness- National Insurance didn’t cover the medical costs. The hospitals weren’t linked to National Insurance
