how successful were the libeeral reforms Flashcards
context
Between 1906 and 1914 the Liberal government introduced a series of Welfare reforms designed to help the needs of the British people. Before this time, there was very little help available for the poor.
There were many reasons for introducing these reforms such as the Social Surveys of Booth and Rowntree which shocked the nation and showed 1/3rd of British people were living in poverty
The Liberal reforms were designed to help those who needed it the most in the country as opposed to establishing a comprehensive welfare state
The reforms were a ‘first step’ in providing government assistance to British people
the young-free school meals
knowledge
In 1906 The Liberals passed the School Meals Act
Local Authorities were permitted to tax people in order to provide one free meal per day on schooldays
the young-free school meals
analysis
This was a success because it meant that needy pupils were now receiving one nutritious meal per day and it allowed them to learn without the distraction of hunger
By 1914, 14 million school children in Britain’s schools were being fed each week
the young-free school meals
analysis +
However, the provision of school meals was not compulsory for all local authorities and in 1911, less than 1/3rd of local authorities were providing the meals. This was a major limitation as it meant that not all children were receiving the meal.
the old-Old Age Pensions Act
knowledge
n 1908 the Old Age Pensions Act provided a small pension for those aged 70+
People over 70 were given between 5 and 25p per week dependent on wealth
Married couples were given 37p
the old-old age pensions act
analysis
The pension was a great success and was very popular with 970,000 old people benefitting from it by 1914
For many older people it did make life slightly more bearable financially and helped some older people from falling below the poverty line
the old-old age pension act
analysis +
However, Seebohm Rowntree had identified 35p per week as being the bare minimum needed to survive and the pension fell short of this
the sick-The National Insurance Act Part 1
knowledge
In 1911 The National Insurance Act Part 1 created a system of health insurance for workers (i.e. sick pay)
Contributions would be made weekly to a fund by the employee (4d), the employer (3d) and the state (2d).
From this fund benefits would be paid when a worker was sick
10s per week for 13 weeks and then 5s for the next 13 weeks.
Free medical (GP only) treatment for insured workers. Those suffering from T.B. were entitled to special hospital treatment in a sanatorium.
The wives of insured workers were paid a sum of 30s after the birth of a baby.
the sick-The National Insurance Act Part 1
analysis
This was important because it meant people wouldn’t be instantly thrown into extreme poverty if they were too unwell to work
the sick-The National Insurance Act Part 1
analysis+
After 26 weeks of absence from work, benefits were limited and the Poor Law had to provide for the worker
The families of insured workers (for example wives and children) were not entitled to free medical treatment.
the unemployed-National Insurance Act (Part 2)
knowledge
Employers, workers and the state all made a weekly contribution.
Covered 2.25 million workers in certain trades.
Unemployment benefit of 7s p.w. was paid for a maximum of 15 weeks in any one year.
Claimants had to sign on daily at the Labour Exchange, and would claim and receive their benefits there.
the unemployed-National Insurance Act (Part 2)
analysis
The Act marked both a significant move away from the idea of self-help by recognising that there were “deserving poor” amongst the jobless and an important extension of the role of the state.
the unemployed-National Insurance Act (Part 2)
analysis+
However the reach of the insurance was limited as it was only available in certain trades
Cover was only provided for a limited time depending on contributions and after this point the Poor Law had to be used
