Gov Providing Welfare Support Flashcards
What was the purpose of the Ministry of Reconstruction?
To mould a better world out of social and economic conditions post-World War I
Established in 1917, led by Christopher Addison, it addressed issues like demobilisation, healthcare, housing, education, and unemployment.
Define welfare as described in the text.
Aid given in the form of money or necessities to those in need, usually the old, the young, the sick, and the poor
Welfare aims to support the ‘deserving’ poor and was historically viewed differently for working-age individuals.
What changes did the Liberal government initiate from 1908 regarding welfare?
A huge expansion of state-provided welfare open to all who qualified, without distinction between ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor
However, pensions were limited to the poorest, and unemployment insurance was restricted.
How was the situation in 1918 regarding welfare provision characterized?
Described as a ‘social service state’ rather than a true ‘welfare state’
Minimum support was available, but not universal for all in need.
What economic theories influenced welfare provision after World War II?
Keynesian economic theories
These theories promoted comprehensive welfare reforms during the Second World War.
What was the role of the Attlee government in welfare provision?
Spearheaded a welfare revolution, creating the National Health Service
The NHS became a central feature of the new welfare state.
What concerns arose regarding the newly formed welfare state by 1979?
Concerns over the cost and the impact on people’s moral fibre and independence
The ambition of universal provision raised debates about its sustainability.
Fill in the blank: The _____ Act of 1925 provides a pension scheme for low-paid workers.
Widows’, Orphans’ and Contributory Old Age Pensions
This act set the retirement age at 65.
What did the 1930 Poor Law Act achieve?
Renamed ‘Poor Law’ as ‘Public Assistance’
This was part of a broader reform of welfare provisions during the interwar period.
What was established by the 1934 Unemployment Assistance Act?
Set up the Unemployment Assistance Board to manage benefits payments
This act reversed benefits cuts from 1931.
True or False: The First World War created a fully functional welfare state in Britain.
False
The post-war period did not achieve a welfare state, but rather a limited social service state.
What was the most pressing problem for interwar governments?
Unemployment was the most pressing problem, never falling below one million between 1920 and 1940.
What was the peak unemployment rate in the early 1930s?
Unemployment peaked at over three million in the early 1930s.
What did interwar governments want to balance while supporting the unemployed?
They wanted to balance the books while providing support.
What was the ideal solution for unemployment support proposed by the 1911 National Insurance Act?
A self-funding National Insurance scheme with benefits paid from member contributions.
Why was the National Insurance scheme undermined after the war?
Many returning troops were not eligible for benefits due to not working in specified industries or insufficient contributions.
What alternative was considered for supporting returning troops?
Handing out dole money was considered as an alternative.
What did the 1948 National Assistance Act provide?
It provided a financial safety net for the destitute and formally abolished the Poor Law.
What were the Poor Laws?
A system of relief for the poor established during the Tudor dynasty, distinguishing between ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor.
What was the purpose of the Poor Law amendment passed in 1834?
To encourage able-bodied individuals to work by making workhouse conditions worse than the poorest homes.
What changes occurred to workhouses in the 18th century?
Workhouses were built to house the poor and put them to work, known as indoor relief.
What was required to qualify for outdoor relief under the Poor Law?
The poor had to prove they were morally upstanding to Poor Law Guardians.
What reforms were made before 1914 regarding pensions?
Liberal reforms removed the stigma for eligible individuals, allowing pensions to be received as a right.
What happened to the Poor Law system in 1929?
Workhouses and Guardians were abolished, but the Poor Law system still existed as a safety net.