Reasons for increasing challenges to state welfare provision 1964-79

Question 1

The New Right

Answer 1

Early 1970s - political consensus began to break down.
Argued social welfare created a dependency culture.

Question 2

National Insurance Act 1970

Answer 2

Pension rights to 100,000 - after 1948 National Assistance Act.
Attendance allowance - those needing long term care at home.
Invalidity benefits for disabled people.
Increased child allowance for mothers.
Rent subsidies for low income families in private accomodation.

Question 3

Challenge

Answer 3

Welfare and freedom - wrong for taxpayers to pay for benefits.
Welfare Inefficiency - no tangible benefits, govt should retrench.

Question 4

Increased costs

Answer 4

Part of the 1976 IMF loan terms.
Labour government retrench and cut the welfare budget.
New consensus - no longer ‘from the cradle to the grave’ welfare.

Question 5

Changing attitudes

Answer 5

Younger people less inclined to endorse the collectivist attitude - supported policies favouring the individual.
Many criticised welfare claimants - ‘scroungers’ irrespective of individual circumstances.
Large sections of WC ‘aspirational’ - wanted to increase standards of living, buy their own homes and enjoy consumerism.
WC had little sympathy for policies with higher taxes.
Margaret Thatcher became Conservative leader in 1975 - embraced New Right thinking.