How successful were the social
reforms introduced by the
Liberals from 1906 to 1914?
Description
A Levels British History Mind Map on How successful were the social
reforms introduced by the
Liberals from 1906 to 1914?, created by elise-v on 04/21/2014.
How successful were the social
reforms introduced by the Liberals
from 1906 to 1914?
Reforms for Children
1906 Education Act enabled
local authorities to provide free
school meals.
Good because children could
concentrate more. By 1914, 14 million
free school meals were provided a
year.
Limited because it was not
compulsory, even in 1913 only half
LEAs were providing free meals.
1907 Education Act set up the
School Medical Service and made it
compulsory for LEAs to medically
inspect school children.
Good because by 1914, 75% LEAs
providing medical inspections and
two-thirds some form of medical
treatment.
Limited because only very
cursory check and poor
unable to afford treatment.
1908 Children Act and other
protective legislation made
parental neglect illegal and set
up juvenile courts. Illegal to
sell tobacco and alcohol to
children.
Good because minimum
standards of care for children.
Limited because a lot
of codifying already
existing law.
Reforms for Old & Sick
1908 Old Age Pensions Act provided
five shillings a week for singles and
over 7 shillings for couples.
Good because scheme was non-contributory and
paid by state through local post offices not
through the poor law. Therefore even those who
felt ashamed could get help.
Limited because only for 70+ on very low
incomes. Based on sliding scale according to
income so only poorest received full amount.
Also had to be of good character i.e. have
worked regularly, no criminal record.
1911 National Insurance Act set up
scheme in which workers and
employers would pay into national
fund topped up by state.
Good because it provided 7 shillings a week for
up to 15 weeks. Families could avoid destitution
until breadwinner could return to work.
Limited because only covered workers earning below £160 pa, 16
to 60. This left 10 year gap until OAPs began at 70. Only 13
million out of 45 million population included.
Reforms for Workforce
1909 Trade Boards fixed
minimum wages and set up
condition inspections.
Good because initally covered
200,000, mostly women in trades
such as tailoring where hours
were long, wages low and no
trade union.
Limited because only covered "sweated
trades", leaving out other low paid workers
eg. farmers. Too few inspectors to properly
enforce.
1909 Labour Exchanges set up
places where workers looking for a
job and employers looking for
workers could meet.
Good because 2 million workers had
registered by 1914 and 3000 jobs were
found a day.
Limited because only
1/4 would find jobs.
Also, jobs not being
created.
1911 National Insurance Act set up scheme in
which workers and employers would pay into
national fund topped up by state.
Covered 2.25 million. Good because
provided 7 shillings a week for up to 15
weeks. Families could avoid destitution until
breadwinner could return to work.
Limited because only
applied to "insured
trades," eg. building and
shipbuilding trades. Most
workers not covered.