Liberals and Social and Constitutional Reform Flashcards
Who were the Liberals originally?
A coalition of various parties which came together in 1859
What were the features of Traditional Liberalism?
Minimum government intervention
Strict control of government spending
Minimum taxation
Indvidual responsibility
What were the features of New Liberalism?
Greater government intervention
Increased government spending on social reform
Increased taxation on wealthy
Emphasis on collective responsibility
What evidence of poverty was there in the early 20th century
Rowntree Survey 1901
Why was poverty a concern for the Liberals
It reduced national efficiency
The new liberals were generally concerned with social reform
What did the Liberal government, 1906-14, do to help children?
Free school meals (1906)- Local councils were given the power to provide free meals for children from the poorest families
School medical inspections (1907)- Doctors and nurses went into schools to give pupils compulsory medical checks and recommend treatment
The Children’s Act (1908)- Gave children rights
School clinics (1912)- Set up free medical treatment for children
What were the limitations of free school meals (1906)?
Providing school meals was not compulsory and less than half the country was providing meals
What were the limitations of school medical inspections (1907)?
Many LEAs didn’t carry it out (2)
What were the limitations of the children’s act (1908)
There was some new legislation but it mainly expanded old laws
What did the Liberals, 1906-14, do to help the old?
The 1908 Pensions Act- provided a pension of five shillings a week for single persons and 7s and 6d for a married couple
What was the strength of the Old Age pensions act?
It was non contributory meaning everyone could have it
What were the limitations of the 1908 Pensions Act?
Only paid to elderly poor
Pension was based on a sliding scale according to income
Pensioners had to be of “good character”
Which act brought Free School meals?
1906 Education Act
What did the central government provide in regards to free school meals?
Subsidies
What were some Edwardian social reforms?
Free School Meals
Old Age Pensions
National Insurance
People’s Budget
When were old age pensions brought about?
1908
What were the conditions of the old age pensions?
Had to be over 70
Couldn’t earn over £21 per year
Had to be of moral standard
What were the two parts of the national insurance?
The part which helped the sick and unemployed
Who qualified for national insurance?
16-60 year olds
How long could you claim national insurance?
13 weeks
What was the People’s Budget?
A budget which proposed changes in taxation to fund social reform
What did Fraser propose about the Edwardian Social Reforms?
They were the foundation stones of a modern welfare state
What was a similarity between the parties over social reform?
There was a general consensus for it
How long did National Insurance last?
13 Weeks
