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World war 1. Photo courtesy of John Warwick Brooke.

Top 10 Facts about the Foundation of the Welfare State

The Welfare State comprises the various expenditures from different governments which include the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The welfare state which evolved between the 1900s and 1910s was purposely for improving employment, social security, health, and education. The entire welfare state was anticipated by the Royal Commission into the Operation of the Poor Laws in 1832. This was a result of the widespread abuse, idleness, and criminality as compared to those who received private charity.

Since several conditions qualified someone to receive the aid, it forced several recipients to either accept employment or turn to private charity. According to the criticisms, they argued that at times the women do not have anything to feed on and their children choose to take prostitution. The delay of the payments can cause people to get involve in criminal activities to earn money for food and to pay their rent. Some people have also argued that the introduction of the welfare state may not eliminate the cause of individual needs.

Below are the top ten facts about the foundation of the Welfare State

1. The Liberal Party Launched Welfare State in the United Kingdom

Liberal Party logo. Authored by Dn9ahx.

The Liberal Party which was one of the major parties in the United Kingdom alongside the Conservative Party was responsible for launching the welfare state. Several welfare reforms took place between 1906 and 1914 and later extended greatly over the next forty years. Great Britain also introduced the minimum wage for some of the low-income industries and also included farm labor in 1920.

2. Family Allowances were Introduced by the Reformers

After the inclusion of farm labor by 1920, the reformers brought in a new perspective that emphasized the significance of the family allowance. The family allowance includes social security which is distributed among the guardians and parents of the children. It may also include some young adults.

The purpose of the family allowance is to concentrate on low-income families as an alternative to relieving poverty without distorting the labor market. The family allowances were finally adopted in 1945 and the minimum wage faded from view.

3. The First World War Boosted Demand for Social Reform

World war 1. Photo courtesy of John Warwick Brooke.

As a result of the First World War, the country experienced tremendous effects from the loss of lives and livelihoods. Several injuries resulted in less productivity which had severe effects on the nation’s growth. The rise in social reform led to an increase in the role of the state of British society. At the end of the war, there were several cases of unemployment and poverty that deepened into a great depression.

4. Family Allowances were Welcomed Greatly After the First World War

After the effects of the First World War were greatly felt by some people, they embraced the government’s idea of the family allowance. During the war period, the government interacted with its citizens through government organizations.

The government supplied various items including milk and meals to the expectant mothers, rationing the foodstuffs, clothing, and fuel. Many people welcomed the idea of family allowance and wanted it to go far.

5. A Flat Rate Insurance was Recommended by Beveridge Report

The Beveridge report of 1942 was responsible for the recommendation of flat rate insurance to be compulsory for the entire nation. The entire scheme was supposed to incorporate retirement benefits, unemployment, and health care. Beveridge himself also made emphasis that the benefits from unemployment are being made at the subsistence level so as not to encourage the abuse of the system.

6. Welfare State Increased the State’s Expenditures

Although the welfare state was a very brilliant idea, it resulted in increased state expenditures. It also resulted in the widening of the state’s responsibilities in addition to the already existing central services.

Some central services that existed included health, unemployment, education, and sickness allowance. The welfare state brought the idea of increased regulation of food, housing, and industries.

7. The Cost of National Health Service Increased

National Health Service. Photo by

Although the National Health Service was supposed to increase the provision and standardized care across the country, that did not apply. However, the cost of the National Health Service increased as a result of the aging population which led to a reduction in provision. Some charges including spectacles and dentures were introduced by the Labor government which was formed by National Health Service.

8. Welfare State is a Basic Principle of the Government Policy

Although the policies slightly differ in different parts of the United Kingdom, the provision of the welfare state remains a basic principle of the government. The principle of health care became central by the introduction of “free at the point of use” making it available for every individual especially the poor in the society. Although the Conservative Party did not agree with all aspects of the welfare state, it did not reverse.

9. Welfare State Received Conservative Thinkers’ Criticism

Although the welfare state was a very brilliant idea that received several recognitions and acceptance, it, however, received several criticisms. According to the conservative thinkers, there was a structural incompatibility between the welfare state principles and the liberal principles. Some sectors have also claimed that the welfare state has created a disincentive for investment and working. They also claimed that the welfare state is not able to eliminate the main cause of the needs and individual contingencies.

10. David Cameron Suggested the Reduction of Welfare Spending

David Cameron. Photo courtesy of

David Cameron who was the leader of the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government suggested the reduction of welfare spending. This was a result of the increased cultural dependency on welfare which then increases welfare spending. He also urged that there was a need for cultural change to reduce overall welfare spending. Several individuals suggest the reduction of welfare spending in the United Kingdom.

The welfare state was an idea that was introduced in the year between 1900 and 1910 and proved to be of much significance during the First World War. However, welfare dependency has increased over time which has led several people to prefer the reduction of welfare spending.