Government Responses Flashcards
Introduction
The government have tried many different ways to respond to inequality, including Universal Credit, National Living Wage, and Minimum Unit Pricing. Some may say that this have been an effective measure in dealing with inequality, however some would disagree. In this essay I will be arguing that government measures to tackle inequality have been mostly ineffective
Point 1 for Paragraph 1
One of the measures introduced is Universal Credit.
Explain 1 for Paragraph 1
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment given to those on longer income to help them get by. The amount given differs depending on age and salary. Some may say that it has been successful as unemployment rates have been down.
Example 1 for Paragraph 1
For example, since the introduction of universal credit unemployment rates have been historically low as the rate is currently 4.1%.
Analysis 1 for Paragraph 1
Therefore, the introduction of universal credit has encouraged working age people to continue working even on low income. Meaning that the introduction of universal credit has given people the money and motivation to tackle inequality themselves and continue to live even when faced with unemployment. Meaning it has been a successful measure as it has reduced unemployment a factor of inequality.
Point 2 for Paragraph 1
On the other hand, some may say that universal credit has not been successful as food bank usage has increases.
Explain 2 for Paragraph 1
This means that universal credit is not actually enough money to support someone on a low income and because of this people cannot afford basic necessities. This ends up meaning that a lot of people depend solely on food banks for food.
Example 2 for Paragraph 1
For example, since the introduction of universal credit the use of food banks in the UK has increased by 100%.
Analysis 2 for Paragraph 1
This shows that universal credit is actually not effective as it does not fully support or allow people on low incomes to live their lives with basic necessities since a lot of people depend on charities and food banks. The impact of this is that charities and food banks are stretched to thin and can struggle to support the large amount of people that need them.
Evaluation for Paragraph 1
Overall universal credit has been somewhat effective. While it has increased food bank usage it has also decreased unemployment, so in part it is successful, but it has also been quite unsuccessful. Meaning it is somewhat effective.
Point 1 for Paragraph 2
Another measure introduced to tackle inequality is the national living wage.
Explain 1 for Paragraph 2
The national living wage is a wage that the government recommends all companies pay their employees (at least). The idea behind it is to have a minimum wage that people can live on.
Example 1 for Paragraph 2
For example, the national living wage is £11.44.
Analysis 1 for Paragraph 2
Having this wage means that workers (aged 21 years and older) have a guaranteed amount of money that they can live by and is actually enough to survive and afford basic necessities on.
Point 2 for Paragraph 2
However, some may say that the national living wage is not enough.