Extent & nature of social welfare provision 1918-39

Question 1

Welfare provision in 1918

Answer 1

Based primarily on the workhouse.
Old age pensions, unemployment and sickness benefits introduced to a limited degree.

Question 2

Unemployment Insurance

Answer 2

Acts of 1920 and 1921 - extended unemployment insurance.
Need to support high levels of unemployment, fears of revolution after Russia in 1917, popular desire to support former servicemen.

Question 3

Retrenchment

Answer 3

More demand on welfare provision due to Great Depression.
Reduced tax revenue - more workers became unemployed.

Question 4

National Economy Act 1931

Answer 4

Introduced a means test for those whose insurance entitlement had run out.
Placed a cap of six months after which benefits had to be reapplied for.
Means test assessed all household income.