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.
When was the Poor Law finally abolished?
The Poor Law was abolished as part of the 1948 National Assistance Act.
What was the purpose of the Manpower Services Commission created in 1973?
To provide employment and training services.
What was the Youth Opportunities Programme created in 1978?
A program for individuals aged 16-18.
What was the short-term solution for unemployment in Britain from 1918-20?
The short-term solution was to issue ‘out-of-work donation’ to returning troops and civilian unemployed until they found work.
What two important precedents were set by the ‘out-of-work donation’?
The government accepted a duty to adequately support the unemployed, regardless of insurance contributions, and it provided more money for family dependants.
What was the purpose of the Unemployment Insurance Act developed in 1920?
The Act aimed to offer a longer-term solution by increasing the number of workers covered by insurance to make the scheme self-funding.
What happened to the Unemployment Insurance Act after its implementation?
The Act drained accumulated funds due to a greater number of eligible claimants, leading to the need for ‘extended’ or ‘uncovenanted’ payments.
Why did the government make ‘extended’ or ‘uncovenanted’ payments?
The government made these payments because the Poor Law could not cope with the scale of the problem and there were fears of revolution.
What was the ‘seeking work test’ implemented in March 1921?
It was a test to limit the expense of the new unemployment system, resulting in three million claims being rejected by March 1930.
What did the 1929 Local Government Act establish?
It required county and borough councils to set up Public Assistance Committees (PACs) to administer welfare funds.
What powers were given to PACs in response to the financial crisis of 1931?
PACs were given the power to means-test claimants to judge eligibility for dole payments.
What was the public perception of the means test introduced by PACs?
The means test was hated as it was seen as an invasion of privacy and unfair due to inconsistent application by different PACs.
What did the Unemployment Act of 1934 do?
It separated the treatment of ‘insurable’ from long-term unemployment and created a national Unemployment Assistance Board (UAB).
How many people did the UAB assist by 1937?
By 1937, the UAB had assisted one million people on a national means-tested basis.
What was the impact of the government’s approach to unemployment?
The government could not solve unemployment largely due to the prevailing wisdom of retrenchment, which could not stimulate economic growth.
What significant state spending occurred after 1936?
Huge state spending was poured into rearmament, which finally tackled persistent unemployment.
What was the purpose of the 1925 Widows’, Orphans’ and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?
It provided pensions for widows, their children, and orphans, funded by compulsory contributions rather than taxation.
What was the criticism of the state pensions introduced by the 1908 Pensions Act?
They were means-tested and did not support the widows and children of the deceased.
What was the housing situation in Britain after World War I?
There was a significant housing shortage, with an estimated shortfall of 822,000 houses in 1923.
What did the 1919 Housing and Town Planning Act aim to achieve?
It aimed to empower local authorities to use central government funds to meet housing needs.
What was the impact of the Geddes Axe on housing construction?
The Geddes Axe led to a reduction in housing construction, worsening the housing shortage.
What principle did the 1919 Housing and Town Planning Act establish?
It established the principle that housing was a social service.
What was the purpose of the 1908 Pensions Act?
To provide pensions for eligible over-70s throughout their lives.
What was a criticism of the 1908 Pensions Act?
It was criticized for being initially unpopular and for not adequately addressing the needs of widows and children.
What was the impact of the 1930 Housing Act?
It used state funds to rehouse people living in overcrowded areas, with most public sector houses built in large cities.
What significant housing development occurred between 1924 and 1939?
20 ‘cottage estates’ were created on the outskirts of London, connected to the center by rail.
What was the consequence of the Becontree estate’s lack of local jobs?
It nearly led to disaster, which was avoided by the construction of a new Ford car factory nearby in 1931.
What did the New Town Act of 1946 accomplish?
It set up local corporations to build new towns such as Corby, Milton Keynes, and Skelmersdale.
What was the result of the gas explosion at Ronan Point in 1968?
It led to concerns about high-rise accommodation and new building regulations in 1970.
What did the 1957 Rent Act do?
It scrapped rent control on 810,000 homes and allowed increases on a further 4,300,000.
What was the aim of the 1972 Housing Finance Act?
To force local councils to charge a ‘fair rent’ to tenants in council houses.
What significant change did the Housing Act of 1980 introduce?
It allowed council house tenants to buy their homes, securing support for the Conservatives.
What was the general public expectation after the Second World War?
There was an expectation of a just reward for the sacrifices made during the war.
What did the term ‘universalist’ refer to in the context of social welfare?
Concerned with all people rather than a particular group.
What does ‘fair shares’ mean?
Equal distribution of resources, reflecting the philosophy of wartime rationing.
What was the purpose of the 1908 Pensions Act?
To provide pensions for eligible over-70s throughout their lives.
What was a criticism of the 1908 Pensions Act?
It was criticized for being initially unpopular and for not adequately addressing the needs of widows and children.
What was the impact of the 1930 Housing Act?
It used state funds to rehouse people living in overcrowded areas, with most public sector houses built in large cities.
What significant housing development occurred between 1924 and 1939?
20 ‘cottage estates’ were created on the outskirts of London, connected to the center by rail.
What was the consequence of the Becontree estate’s lack of local jobs?
It nearly led to disaster, which was avoided by the construction of a new Ford car factory nearby in 1931.
What did the New Town Act of 1946 accomplish?
It set up local corporations to build new towns such as Corby, Milton Keynes, and Skelmersdale.
What was the result of the gas explosion at Ronan Point in 1968?
It led to concerns about high-rise accommodation and new building regulations in 1970.
What did the 1957 Rent Act do?
It scrapped rent control on 810,000 homes and allowed increases on a further 4,300,000.
What was the aim of the 1972 Housing Finance Act?
To force local councils to charge a ‘fair rent’ to tenants in council houses.
What significant change did the Housing Act of 1980 introduce?
It allowed council house tenants to buy their homes, securing support for the Conservatives.
What was the general public expectation after the Second World War?
There was an expectation of a just reward for the sacrifices made during the war.
What did the term ‘universalist’ refer to in the context of social welfare?
Concerned with all people rather than a particular group.
What does ‘fair shares’ mean?
Equal distribution of resources, reflecting the philosophy of wartime rationing.
What was the impact of the state-directed war economy in Britain from 1918-97?
The success of the war economy increased belief in state intervention to improve lives, leading to the expansion of the welfare state based on Keynes’s economic views.
What role did the coalition government play during the war?
The coalition government, including Labour ministers like Attlee and Bevin, fostered cooperation over wartime policy, leading to the development of White Papers in 1944.
What was the significance of the Beveridge Report?
The Beveridge Report, published in December 1942, aimed to address the ‘five giants’ of want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness through state intervention.
What were the key recommendations of the Beveridge Report?
The key recommendations included tackling the ‘five giants’ through national insurance, establishing a national health service, improving education, rehousing, and maintaining full employment.
How did Beveridge propose to fund state welfare?
Beveridge proposed that state welfare be funded entirely by a compulsory single insurance payment, avoiding means-tested assistance to prevent dependency on the state.
How was the Beveridge Report received?
The report was popular, selling 635,000 copies, and its timing made state-led solutions seem feasible, even being dropped over Germany to encourage peace demands.
How did Labour’s implementation of the Beveridge Report differ from Beveridge’s original plan?
Labour rejected Beveridge’s call for welfare payments to be solely from universal insurance, opting for a level affordable by the lowest paid to avoid penalizing the poor.
What was the impact of the state-directed war economy in Britain from 1918-97?
The success of the war economy increased belief in state intervention to improve lives, leading to the expansion of the welfare state based on Keynes’s economic views.
What role did the coalition government play during the war?
The coalition government, including Labour ministers like Attlee and Bevin, fostered cooperation over wartime policy, leading to the development of White Papers in 1944.
What was the significance of the Beveridge Report?
The Beveridge Report, published in December 1942, aimed to address the ‘five giants’ of want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness through state intervention.
What were the key recommendations of the Beveridge Report?
The key recommendations included tackling the ‘five giants’ through national insurance, establishing a national health service, improving education, rehousing, and maintaining full employment.
How did Beveridge propose to fund state welfare?
Beveridge proposed that state welfare be funded entirely by a compulsory single insurance payment, avoiding means-tested assistance to prevent dependency on the state.
How was the Beveridge Report received?
The report was popular, selling 635,000 copies, and its timing made state-led solutions seem feasible, even being dropped over Germany to encourage peace demands.
How did Labour’s implementation of the Beveridge Report differ from Beveridge’s original plan?
Labour rejected Beveridge’s call for welfare payments to be solely from universal insurance, opting for a level affordable by the lowest paid to avoid penalizing the poor.
What was the basis for funding social security in Britain from 1918-97?
Social security was not introduced on a self-funding basis; higher taxation was used to supplement higher pension and unemployment benefits than those advocated by Beveridge.
What was Beveridge’s criticism of the welfare system?
Beveridge criticized the development of a ‘pay-as-you-go’ welfare system where taxpayers subsidized those in receipt of benefits, rather than benefits being paid from a fund generated by contributions.
What did the Family Allowances Act of 1945 provide?
It provided mothers with a non-means-tested payment of five shillings a week for each child apart from her first.
Who successfully challenged the original plan of the Family Allowances Act?
MP Eleanor Rathbone successfully challenged the original plan to give the money to fathers.
When did mothers receive their first family allowance payment?
Mothers received their first family allowance payment in August 1946.
What did the National Insurance Act of 1946 create?
It created a compulsory universal contributory system to help pay for pensions and benefits for unemployment, sickness, funeral expenses, and maternity benefits.
What additional cover did the Industrial Accidents Act of 1948 provide?
It provided additional cover for workplace injuries.
What was established by the National Assistance Act of 1948?
It established the National Assistance Board (NAB) to provide financial help to the most vulnerable poor.
How was the NAB different from the old UAB?
The NAB was far more popular because it used a less rigorous form of means-testing, allowing 250,000 more people to claim a higher rate of benefits after 1948.
What was the purpose of the ‘Family Guide to National Insurance’ pamphlet?
It aimed to promote public awareness of the new welfare system.
What percentage of those entitled to family allowance had applied for it by 1949?
88 percent of those entitled to family allowance had applied for it by 1949.
What is absolute poverty?
Someone living in absolute poverty does not have the fundamentals needed for survival, such as food, safe drinking water, decent shelter, health, and sanitation.
What is relative poverty?
Somebody living in relative poverty does not have enough money to enjoy ordinary living patterns, customs, and activities.
What was a significant challenge to welfare provision by 1979?
Criticisms grew over the cost and impact of more generous benefits, while some felt not enough was being done to help the poorest.
How did the cost of unemployment benefits change from 1939 to 1970?
The cost rose from 0.6 percent of Gross National Product in 1939 to 8.8 percent in 1970.
What did the 1959 National Insurance Act introduce?
It introduced a top-up scheme based on earnings known as the graduated pension.
What did the 1975 Social Security Act establish?
It established the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (Serps), allowing workers to opt out of all or part of the state pension.
What factors contributed to the rising costs of welfare?
Factors included baby booms, increased life expectancy, new social groups in need of support, higher living standards, and growing bureaucracy.
What was the Beveridge Report?
The Beveridge Report was a proposal for social welfare provision in the UK, aiming to address issues of poverty and social security.
Who was a key critic of social welfare provision?
Margaret Thatcher was a key critic of the growth of social welfare provision.
What is a poverty trap?
A poverty trap is a situation where an increase in earned income leads to a loss of state benefits, discouraging individuals from working harder or seeking employment.
What did Thatcher argue about welfare benefits?
Thatcher argued that increasing welfare benefits encouraged a culture of dependence and diverted funds from wealth generation.
What was the percentage of Gross National Product spent on unemployment benefits in 1939 and 1970?
In 1939, it was 0 percent, and in 1970, it was 8.8 percent.
What did Thatcher say about responsible citizenship?
Thatcher noted that people felt there was no point in being responsible citizens when those who do not work receive more from the state.
What is the principle behind Socialism according to Thatcher?
Thatcher stated that Socialism demands equality by dividing the nation’s total income without considering how it is created.
What are some of the fundamental principles upheld by Conservatives according to Lincoln?
- You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
- You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence.
- You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
- You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could, and should, do for themselves.
- You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred.
What criticisms did the left have regarding welfare provision in the 1960s and 1970s?
Critics on the left were angry about the persistence of privilege in healthcare and education and argued that the state needed to do more to ensure fair support for decent living.
What did Peter Townsend argue in his studies?
Peter Townsend argued that urgent action was required to raise the standards of living for the poor and that a regular state support program was badly needed.
What is the degree of certainty in historical statements?
Made with the smartest degree of certainty.
What might you need to increase your confidence in your statements?
Additional evidence or sources.
Which source is more useful to the historian studying the state of welfare in the 1960s?
Source 6 is an artefact and Source 5 is a contemporary assessment.
How would a historian construct a piece of historical analysis?
They would need to gather various kinds of evidence.
What was the political consensus regarding social welfare provision until the 1980s?
There was enough consensus in the broad middle ground between Labour and the Conservatives.
What limited Labour’s generosity in welfare provision?
Financial pressure.
What limited Conservative cuts to welfare provision?
The electoral popularity of welfare provision.
What significant resignations occurred related to welfare provision?
Aneurin Bevan and Harold Wilson resigned over charges for spectacles and dentures in 1951.
Conservative Chancellor Peter Thorneycroft resigned in 1958 when his calls for savage cuts in welfare spending were rejected.
