The Old

Question 1

Topic Sentence

Answer 1

The first group of people targeted by the Liberal Reforms were the “Old”.

Question 2

Knowledge 1

Answer 2

The Liberals introduced the Old Age Pension in 1908 which paid pensions to those over 70 that had lived in the country for the past 20 years, and were out of prison for at least 10 years.

Question 3

Analysis 1

Answer 3

The Old Age pension did improve the lives of British old people because it benefitted many, showing its popularity. 970,000 “old” people had benefitted by 1914.

Question 4

Knowledge 2

Answer 4

Additionally, the Old Age Pension Act, 1908 also paid individuals up to 5 shillings (25p) a week (depending on income/wealth), and 7 shillings, 6d (37p) to married couples every week.

Question 5

Analysis 2

Answer 5

This legislation improved lives of the “old” as they were more financially stable and prevented many from falling below the poverty line.

Question 6

Counter Analysis

Answer 6

However, very few poor people lived to 70, so many were unable to claim it. On top of that, the criteria in order to claim this pension was a large one which excluded many people.

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

Overall, the introduction of pensions was a significant improvement to the lives of old people when compared to the previous poor-law relief because it was extremely popular amongst the elderly working classes as no individual contributions had to be made. However, Booth and Rowntree identified that 35p was the bear minimum to survive and the pension fell short of this, telling us that these pensions were meant to supplement the savings and not a persons entire income.