Despite its popularity at the time, the Beveridge Report contained some significant drawbacks. What were the strengths and limitations in Beveridge’s vision, and how have later policies addressed these drawbacks?

Seite 1

STRENGTHS:

unified the country into addressing post war problems

tackled issues of poverty and inequality - 5 giant evils

put in place a benefit sysem avaliable to all at a flat rate set so evryone could live to a minimum standard

gave hope to war weary country when they were ready for a new more just society

percieved to be based on a system open to everyone that wld give everyone peace of mind.

TACKLING 5 GIANT EVILS (WIIDS)

WANT - Nat ASS Act 1948, NHS 1946, Nat Ins Act 1946

IGNORANCE - Education Act 1944

IDLENESS - Through policy of full employment

DISEASE - NHS Act 1946 (can to fruition 1948, 5th July)

SQUALOR - Housing Act 1946

LIMITATIONS

Failed to take into account changing role of women in society (1960' +70's) - no longer SAHM

Had limited scope for social care

Didn't consider the costs of tackling the 5 giants - failed to consdier impact of reforms on the economy

Didn't consider those who couldn't work - carers, disabled

Expected women to leave jobs frm war yrs so men could take over - not full employmnet then.

LATER POLICIES:

Seebhomn 1968 - no longer a fragmented welfare state, now had a unified social services with a single S/S dept in each local authority - LOCAL AUTHORITY S/S ACT 1970

New Right - attempted to address probs created by creation of welfare state through 1983(?) NHS reform - creating a care market, other legislation- Right to buy (reducing amt of stock housing), 1985 Housing Act (decreased value of housing benefit), 1990 NHS and Community Care Act - deinst. community care cheaper. Introduction of care market to drive down spending

New Page