effectiveness of measures taken to tackle inequalities, including government measures (health inequality) Flashcards
P - One measure the government has taken to tackle health inequalities is free prescriptions
explain - Scotland introduced free prescriptions to those who are under 16, aged 16-18 and in full time education and those aged 60 or over. This makes medication more available to those living in poverty who might not have been able to afford it otherwise.
example?
e - The Herald and BBC both report that the Welsh and Scottish governments felt the policy saves the NHS money by preventing people from being in hospital (on average costing) £4,500 a week, compared to the cost of £250 per patient for prescriptions.
FREE PRESCRIPTIONS
R - However, life expectancy in Scotland is still low.
E - Despite claiming the free prescription measure prevents hospital admissions, Scottish health is not largely improving and the country still experiences low life expectancy
example?
link?
e - For example, the Office for National Statistics shows that not only is the life expectancy in England 2 years higher than in Scotland, the latest increase between 2017 - 2019 was higher in England where there is no free prescriptions policy.
L - Free prescriptions have not been largely effective in tackling health inequalities as the population is still reporting similar levels of poor health, and free prescriptions do not address the problems that cause health inequalities, such as those in poverty being much more likely to drink excessively. Free prescriptions have been more effective than universal credit however less effective than the smoking ban.
P - Another measure the government has taken to tackle health inequalities is the introduction of free school meals.
E - The Scottish government provides low income families with free school meals. This means children living in poverty can eat well during school time, not have to go hungry and have better diet options than they may have at home, therefore improving their health.
example?
e - In January 2015 this policy was extended to include all pupils in primary 1-3 regardless of their income.
R - However, with children of all incomes qualifying for free meals money is arguably wasted.
E - As the children who were living in poverty already previously qualified for school meals, extending the policy for children of all incomes most of whom could easily afford it, is wasting government money that could be put to further helping those living in poverty who need extra support.
example?
e - The cost for free school meals for all p1-3 pupils was £70.5m in the first two years, and educational budgets were already facing tight financial pressures. Furthermore each family saves £330 a year under this policy, something that wealthier families do not need.
P - Another measure the government has taken to tackle health inequalities was the smoking ban.
E - In 2006 the government banned smoking in indoor public places, such as inside workplaces, transport, clubs, and restaurants.
example?
e - Since the ban the smoking prevalence of adults in Scotland has significantly reduced, from 25% in 2006 to 9% in 2020. This has had a knock on effect on health, with a 17% reduction in heart attack admissions to nine Scottish hospitals following the ban.
SMOKING BAN
R - However the smoking ban was less effective because there are still high levels of smoking for those living in poverty.
E- The smoking ban was not enough to stop a lot of people living in poorer areas from smoking, and they still continue to have much higher number of smokers compared to richer areas.
Link?
e - in 2018 adults living in the most deprived areas continued to be around 3 times more likely to smoke than those in the least deprived areas, with 32% smoking in the most deprived and 9% in the least.
L - The smoking ban has been effective to a moderate extent in reducing inequalities, as overall levels of smoking have reduced, however those in poverty continue to be much more likely to smoke. The smoking ban has been the most effective government measure, more effective than both free prescriptions and universal credit.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
P- One measure the governemtn has taken to tackle wealth inequality is the introduction of Universal credit
E - Universal credit is a payment to help those in poverty cover living costs, it is paid monthly or twice a month for some people in Scotland. This benefit system is intended to increase claimant responsibility.
example?
e - To qualify you must live in the UK be over 18, be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money savings and investments. If you are single and under 25 you would be entitled to £257.33 a month.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
R - However, universal credit has not been entirely effective
E - The delayed rollout ofn universal credit has led to people living in poverty to go into debt and increased the number of rent arrears.
example?
link?
e - Universal credit has a waiting time of five weeks from when you apply, during which time many people have to take out loans to cover the cost of living, and they may find it very difficult to pay this money back. In the last two years there has been 3 times the number of rent arrears.
L - Universal credit is largely ineffective in tackling wealth inequality with the waiting time involved often causing those already living in poverty to go in debt and doing little to help their situation. Universal credit is the least effective government measure, less effective than both free prescriptions and the smoking ban.
MINIMUM WAGE
P- Another measure the government has taken to tackle inequalities is putting minimum wages in place.
E - The government introduced a minimum amount a person (over 25) should be paid an
hour called the National Living Wage (NLW) as a response to working people in poverty in the UK
e?
e - The minimum wage for people under 23 is £8.36 and £8.91 for people over the age of 23. It is legally required for employers to pay their employees this minimum figure.,
MINIMUM WAGE
R - However poverty for those in low paid jobs remains a significant problem
E - Many argue that the minimum wage is still not enough to live on especially with the growing costs of living, and despite the government’s efforts the problem of low pay has continued to get worse.
example?
e - According to the BBC JRF 2019/20 13% of workers are in poverty compared to 10% of
workers in 2000. Furthermore a more accurate living wage was calculated based on the costs of living and it was found to be £9.90
