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?

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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

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