England
as a Welfare State
The First World War and
the Second World War shattered the economy of England. Common men were in need
of aid by the government. In order to help such people, the Labour Government
introduced a series of welfare schemes. Sir William Beveridge, a warm
sociologist of the twentieth century, analysed the pathetic condition of poor
people. He drew up an elaborate ‘cradle to the grave’ scheme to help the
poor. The Labour Government put into
effect many of his recommendations.
The Family Allowance
Act
This Act granted five
shillings a week to the second and each successive child
Retirement Pensions
Old age pensions were
granted to retired and old people to enable them to live comfortably with
self-respect.
The Health Service Act
This Act gave free
medical service to old people who needed surgery or specialist consultations. Doctors
received an annual sum for each old person treated free of cost by him.
The National Assistance
Act
This Act opened hostels
for the care of pensioners, physically disabled people and tubercular patients.
Free education
A number of state schools
giving free education to children were opened. Free milk was given to all the
students of these schools.
These schemes were criticized
by the people in the beginning because it makes people lazy. But the needy are
certainly thankful to the British government.
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