InterWar Years - Welfare Flashcards
What did the Ministry of Reconstruction SET UP to TRY to do in 1917?
It tried to ensure everyone had a basic level of security.
It was a first attempt to build a better Britain following wartime.
What did the Ministry of Reconstruction set up MEAN in 1917?
It meant that the Liberal Government wanted to try and expand their plans for welfare from before WW1.
E.g. A home fit for heroes.
What was the IMPACT of the Ministry of Reconstruction in 1917?
The ambitious plans suffered because of the economic reality of the years after WW1.
When/What was the Unemployment Insurance Act?
1920 -
It tried to cover people who were not covered by the National Insurance Act (sickness and injury).
What did the Unemployment Insurance Act MEAN as long-term solution?
It meant that lots of returning soldiers had had to rely on something called a ‘dole donation’ before it.
What was the IMPACT of the Unemployment Insurance Act?
It did not go as planned.
The law was past just as the economic recession was beginning.
This meant the system did not become self-funding and by the 1930s it was necessary to “means test”.
What did the 1925 Pensions Act do?
It gave 10 shillings a week for anyone aged 65 - 70.
This was given to widows and orphans of dead workers too.
What did the 1925 Pensions Act MEAN for pensions?
It meant pensions were no longer means tested like they were when they first introduced in 1908.
What was the IMPACT of the 1925 Pensions Act?
It was the first bit of welfare funded by a compulsory contribution.
People generally accepted the big change because of the tough economic situation of the time.
What did the 1919 Housing Act do?
It gave local governments the chance to use national government money to build the 600,000 new homes the country needed.
What did the 1919 Housing Act MEAN for Britain?
The housing shortage was being addressed and the government had the chance to fulfill its promise of “homes-fit-for-heroes” after WW1.
What was the IMPACT of the 1919 Housing Act?
The necessity of the Geddes Axe and the need to “balance the books” meant only 230,000 were built.
The housing shortage continued to get worse year
on year.
In which years were there 3 separate Housing Acts?
1919 - 1923/24 - 1930
What did the multiple Housing Acts MEAN for the building of houses?
Companies got tax breaks to build houses.
4 million were built, 1 million using government money.
New suburbs around London developed.
What was the IMPACT of the multiple Housing Acts during the interwar years?
Gradually, the housing situation improved and the government demonstrated commitment to solving
housing problems.
In 1930, people were moved away from the overcrowded cities to live in new housing.
