The Welfare State of Britain

Origins of the Welfare StateAchieving the welfare stateProviding Health, Medical CareProblems of Welfare StateMoving away, future of welfare state

How the welfare state began?

1942, William Beveridge, a civil servant, published a report to call for government to provide basic help for all citizens

He felt that the government should put an end to poverty, disease and unemployment.

But, he warned government not to be too generous.People must take care of themselves when they had found jobs.

Government acted on Beveridge’s plans after WW2 when there was high unemployment and poverty.

It started a “welfare state” to look after British citizens, to ensure that people had at least a decent life – a home, a job and medical care.

The welfare state wanted to end poverty and diseases.

Achieving a welfare state

Government took over management of public utilities, transport, industries etc to keep services affordable and to create jobs for people.

Welfare benefits

Maternity grantChild benefitSickness, injury, unemployment benefitRetirement pensionDeath grant

Health, Medical Care

National Health Service (NHS),1948Free basic medical service for all citizens (medical, dental, optical)Funded from taxes and worker insurance payments

Problems of Welfare State

Workers in government owned companies not productive enough (not concerned about profits)Long queues at hospitals, long waiting lists

Problems

Government spending went up as people took advantage of free treatmentPeople not motivated to work, dependent on government Rich and businessmen had to pay more taxes, businesses moved away from country

Moving away from welfare state

mid 1970s, government decided to reduce spending on welfareHope to motivate people to work for themselvesHope to tax companies lessPrivatise public utilities and health careFree treatment only to selected people(students, expectant women and children)

Can the government do away with welfare state completely?

May lose votesPeople used to getting things freeBut government cannot be too generous forever – who will pay for these freebies?