heath's government + domestic policies

Question 1

Heath’s aim following 1970 election:

Answer 1

-modernise Britain with a strong government
-mainly focused on industrial relations and economic modernisation

Question 2

advantages of Heath as a leader:

Answer 2

-already been leader of opposition for 5 years
-clear and detailed programme of policies
-wasn’t from the old etonians
-chief negotiator in EEC negotiations

Question 3

disadvantages of Heath as a leader:

Answer 3

-not interested in the ‘devious’ side of politics
-not a good public persona
-not skilful enough in pleasing political allies
-good at policies but not at politics

Question 4

positives/strengths of domestic policy:

Answer 4

-housing finance act 1972 introduced system of fair rents (council and private)
-increased school leaving age from 15 to 16
-decimalisation was introduced
-

Question 5

negatives/failures of domestic policy:

Answer 5

-introduction of housing finance act undermined by cuts to gov. spending which caused council house rents to increase
-decimalisation viewed with suspicion - thought it might have been to cover up price hike
-restructured local government got rid of some historic counties e.g. rutland, also removed autonomy of some towns e.g. bristol - caused some party divisions
-withdrawal of free milk in schools - ‘Thatcher the milk snatcher’ = PR disaster
-immigration act 1971 - commonwealth citizens lost their right to remain in the UK (needed specific work permit and to have lived and worked in britian for 5 years) - discriminatory