The principles of the welfare state

Question 1

What are the principles of the welfare states

Answer 1

1) Cradle to grave
2) Tackling the ‘five giants’ that prevent equality of opportunity
3) Universality

Question 2

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• Cap

Answer 2

Cap on the amount that claimants can receive for various benefits ( the universal credit)

Question 3

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• The Welfare Bill

Answer 3

The limits to increases in benefits within the Welfare Bill could be said to weaken the addressing of the ‘five giants’

Question 4

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• Universalism

Answer 4

The weakening of the principal of universalism, for example with the reduction in child benefit for higher rate tax payers

Question 5

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• Cut total cost of the welfare state

Answer 5

The perceived desire to radically cut the cost of the welfare state without sufficient reference to need, and the impact that this could have on the most vulnerable, had been particularly criticised by Labour, charities and church leaders.

Question 6

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• Reforms to pensions

Answer 6

Reforms to public sector pensions, coupled with child benefit changes, could be said to weaken the cradle to grave principle ‘at both ends’

Question 7

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• Cap on housing benefit

Answer 7

The cap on housing benefit and reduction for properties with empty bedrooms affecting the most vulnerable

Question 8

Attack on the principles of the welfare state

• Cutting deficit

Answer 8

Cutting the deficit could be argued to be an excuse to drive a Conservative ideological agenda aimed at damaging or destroying the welfare state

Question 9

The principles of the welfare states are retained

• Universalism

Answer 9

The principe of universalism remains intact in important areas, such as Old Age Pensions and the NHS

Question 10

The principles of the welfare states are retained

• Departed from the original intention

Answer 10

The cost and scope of the welfare state has departed from the original intention, and particularly from the contributory principle, leading to welfare dependency. Thus, the reforms restores rather than damage the key principles.

Question 11

The principles of the welfare states are retained

• Caps leave claimants better off

Answer 11

The specific caps involved still leave claimants better off than past claimants, and many non-claimants with minimal absolute poverty, disease