the liberal welfare reforms of 1906 - 1912

Question 1

liberals and the labour party

Answer 1

The work of Booth, Rowntree and Galt was very influential on members of the Liberal Party which came to power in 1906. This was called the ‘New Liberalism’. Partly, a result of the rise of the Labour Party. Liberals feared that if they did not make substantial reforms and improvements then the workers would switch to voting Labour.

Question 2

Lloyd George

Answer 2

Liberal Chancellor. He and Winston Churchill were influential in making the reforms. Lloyd-George was driven by a desire to help the poor, Churchill was more concerned with the growing power of Germany

Question 3

Lloyd George’s budget

Answer 3

1909-1910 raised taxes for the rich to pay for the reforms. This was a new and controversial move.

Question 4

Changes for the young

Answer 4

1906- free school meals. Councils had to provide fsm for the poorest children.
1907- all children had to have free medical checks at school
1912- school clinics introduced

Question 5

changes for the elderly

Answer 5

1908- pensions introduced

Question 6

changes for the sick and unemployed

Answer 6

1909- labour exchanges for the unemployed. (job centres)
1911- national insurance act, free health care and sick pay. Workers, employers and the government contributed only covered those in work - so left out children, the elderly and the unemployed.