British essay 3 Flashcards
Introduction
Boer war, Booth and Rowntree. Liberals targeted Young, Old and Sick. Ultimately ….
Young - The Children’s Act 1908
protection from ‘social evils’, was an offence for parents to neglect. ensured that children weren’t living on streets without food or education banned under 16s from smoking, drinking, begging. Remand homes - awaiting trial, Borstals for breaking law. however contained new legislations thus difficult to enforce.
Free School Meals Act 1906 - young
Local authorities raised tax by half a penny to provide fsm to needy children. far better nourished and healthier. no. fsm David morrison said “3 mill in 1906 to 9 mill in 1910 then to 14m in 1914.” However not all recieved fsm. no meals during holidays. parents charged if they could afford it.
Medical Inspections Act 1907 young
least 3 during elementary career.
The Old Age Pensions Act 1908 (Old)
most dropped below poverty line at this age argued Rowntree. people over 70 between 175 shillings a week dependant on income. once they had over 12s a week pension entitlement stopped. Married given 7s & 6p. to qualify ha to be british, resident uk for 20 yrs, avoided prison 2yrs not claimed poor relief or imprisoned 10 yrs. pensions helped old live independantly. J Kerr “approx 970,000 claimants by 1914”. would draw pension from local post office.
Old age pensions act 1908
However, labour stated amount was too low, few of genuinely poor would live till 70 average age was 45. Registration of births did not become compulsory until the mid 1800s meaning some would not have proof of age.
Sick- National Insurance Act 1911
working classes could not afford help, being sick major cause of poverty, act applied to workers aged between 16760 earning less than £160 a year. paid for through contributions - worker paid 4p a week, employers 3p, government 2p. workers gained 9p. when off sick workers recieved a weekly benefit of 10 shillings for 13 weeks (women 7s) then reduced to 5s for further 13 weeks. those insured also recieved 30s maternity grant and free medical treatment. J Kerr “act insured approx 15 mill workers. thus millions families helped during hard times when worker could not work
Sick
with free medicaql care workers could return quicker and healthier. however insurance only covered workers not family members. the medical care provided was restricted, the scheme did not cover treatment by opticians or dentists. workers who were slightly better paid or self employed were not insured. the limited time that the benefits were paid (26 wks) meant that lonf term sickness was not catered for. E- eventually latter 13 wks benefit was increased from 5s to 10. The fact that the employee had to make a weekly contribution was not good.
conclusion
Libs failed… Why they failed for each factor - young, old, sick.
