The Means Test

Question 1

Why did the National Government introduce the Means Test?

Answer 1

To try and tackle the cost of unemployment benefit

Question 2

When was the Means Test introduced?

Answer 2

1931

Question 3

How was the Means Test supposed to work?

Answer 3

1) After six months of unemployment benefit, people went on the ‘dole’ (Uncovenanted Benefit).
2) Before they could receive the dole’, their possessions and savings were inspected by the local Public Assistance Committee (PAC)

Question 4

What was a PAC?

Answer 4

A Public Assistance Committee

Question 5

What might families have to do to receive the dole?

Answer 5

Sell possessions

Question 6

Why might families not receive the full weekly payment of the dole?

Answer 6

If there was another source of income in the household (e.g. someone had a part-time job or an elderly relative received a pension)

Question 7

In 1936, what was the average maximum weekly sum paid to a family?

Answer 7

£1.80 per week

Question 8

In 1936, what was the average wage of a worker?

Answer 8

£3.00 per week

Question 9

Why was the Means Test unpopular?

Answer 9

• Many people thought it was just the govt. trying to save money (rather than help unemployed)
• It was humiliating having your possessions gone through and being forced to sell some of them
• People didn’t like having to force out elderly relatives so they could receive the full benefit

Question 10

In how many towns had protests taken place by the end of 1931?

Answer 10

30 towns