Liberal Welfare Reforms (1905-1914)

Liberal Welfare Reforms (1905-1914)

Led by Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and Chancellor David Lloyd George.
Aim: To enhance social security for the vulnerable.

Free School Meals

• Education Act 1906: Local authorities could voluntarily provide meals.
• Education Act 1907: Made provision compulsory with central funding.
• Addressed malnutrition, improved attendance and overall health.

Old Age Pension Act

• Provided weekly pension (25 pence for individuals, 37 pence for married couples) to those over 70.
• Only for the "deserving poor."
• Reformed in 1911 with the National Insurance Act to include contributory pension scheme.

National Insurance Act 1911

• Workers and employers contributed to a fund.
• Provided health insurance (free treatment, sickness benefits) and unemployment insurance (allowance, job assistance).

Impact of Reforms

• Improved nutrition and school attendance via free school meals.
• Early disease detection via free medical inspection.
• Financial independence for the elderly poor through pensions.
• Support for unemployed/sick workers via national insurance.