The Welfare State

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  • The Welfare State
    • The Need for Reform
      • The work of social investigators such as Edwin Chadwick, Charles Booth and Joseph Rowntree drew attention to the need for support for the poor.
      • Chadwick drew attention to public health issues in London in the mid-19th century.
      • Booth discovered that in late 19th century London 35% of the population lived below the poverty line.
      • Seebohm Rowntree built on the work of his father and wrote a report showing that 28% of the York population lived below the poverty line.
      • In 1899 2/3 of the soldiers signing up for the Boer War were unfit for service.
      • Germany had overtaken Britain as an industrial power and had a strong welfare system for its workers.
      • The Labour Party began to emerge as the 'voice of the working class'. Its manifesto focused on welfare reform.
      • The power of the trade unions was strengthening and they began demanding better conditions for workers. This was a genuine threat for the Liberal government.
      • David Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1906 wanted to improve lives for the poor.
      • In 1910 a coalition government was formed between the Liberals and Labour parties. Between 1910 and 1912 a series of strikes threatened British industry.
    • Royal Commission Investigation
      • The Conservative Government set up the Royal Commission in 1905 to look at whether they should help the poor.
      • The Majority report revealed that the poor made themselves poor and enough was being done for them.
      • The Minority Report revealed that poverty was caused by illness, old age and unemploymen-t and more should be done.
    • Reforms for Children
      • 1906 School Meals Act- free school meals for the poorest children
      • 1907- free medical inspections at school
      • 1908 Children and Young Persons' Act (The Children's Charter), Made child beating and neglect illegal and also sending children out to beg illegal.
      • The Children's Charter also made it illegal for under 16s to buy cigarettes or go into pubs.
      • The Free school meal act was not compulsory so not always provided.
      • There was limited access to health care if a problem was found.
    • Reforms for the Elderly
      • 1908 Old Age Pensions Act- A pension for people over 70 with low income.
      • Pensions were raised by ordinary taxes but was a popular policy.
      • Life expectancy was only 45 for most workers. Not enough money to live on and could not be claimed if you never worked.
    • Reforms for Workers
      • 1909 minimum wage was introduced.
      • Labour exchanges (job centres) set up.
      • 1 million jobs a year were filled through labour exchanges.
      • 1911 National Insurance Act- all workers paid into the fund to provide money for ill workers. Also introduced unemploymen-t benefits.
      • Labour exchange jobs were often low paid or temporary. health care did not extend to the workers family.
    • Impact of the World Wars
      • WWI drained Britain's resources. The government promised to make Britain a land 'fit for heroes'.
      • The Great Depression further worsened industry and the economy.
      • WWII forced people from different backgrounds to work together. It was noticed in the army that poor people had worse health.
      • During the Blitz the government provided free treatment to air raid casualties.
      • People wanted to improve society after WWII and prevent anyone returning to poverty  like the 1930s. This led to a labour victory in 1945.
    • The NHS
      • The Beveridge report in 1942 called for state provision for social security 'from the cradle to the grave' and led to the creation of the NHS.
      • The NHS was set up by Health Minister Aneurin Bevan in 1948. It was intended to be universal, comprehensive and free at the point of need. He also set up the ambulance service.
      • There was opposition from doctors even before the NHS was set up. Doctors were worried they would lose money. Doctors were allowed to treat private and NHS patients.
      • The NHS was very expensive and National Insurance did not cover its costs so new taxes were made.
      • Prescription charges were introduced in 1951.
      • Life expectancy improved greatly following the creation of the NHS.

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