the liberal reforms 1906-1914

• Some historians view the liberal reforms between 1906 and 1914 as the start of the modern welfare state in Britain, whereas others say it comes later
• 19th century governments were conservative or Tory, and believed in a laissez-faire or 'do nothing' approach where the government should not get involved in people's everyday lives
• The 1906 election saw the Liberal Party win a landslide victory, allowing them to be more adventurous with the laws they introduced
• Liberal government


  Promised to change how ordinary and poor people were cared for, felt the government should intervene in people's lives including by raising taxes and forcing changes
• David Lloyd George


  Famous Welsh liberal politician, became Chancellor of the Exchequer and a great reformer, wanted the government to raise more money in tax and spend more on helping people
• Liberal reforms


  • Old age pensions
  • Meals and healthcare for poor children
  • Sick pay for workers
• David Lloyd George's 'people's budget'


  Proposed higher taxes to fund reforms, not everyone liked the ideas
• Punch magazine cartoon titled 'The philanthropic Highwayman': 'Depicts Lloyd George as a thief forcing reforms on people'
• 1902-1907 reforms improved midwifery, ensuring births were attended by qualified midwives and registered
• 1906 reform provided free school meals for children
• 1907-1912 reforms introduced school health checks and clinics
• 1908 reform introduced old age pensions for those over 70
• 1909 reform banned back-to-back terraced housing to improve living conditions
• 1911 National Insurance Act


  Provided a sickness fund, workers paid 4 pence per week, employers and government also contributed, provided sick pay for up to 26 weeks
• Advantages of National Insurance Act

  • Allowed workers to take sick leave with pay
  • Government and employers contributed to sickness fund
• Disadvantages of National Insurance Act

  • Healthcare not free, only 26 weeks of sick pay, unemployed and elderly not covered
• Opposition to National Insurance Act


  Seen as expensive government interference, move away from laissez-faire principles
• Sources on support for National Insurance Act


  • Liberal party poster promoting benefits
  • Punch magazine cartoon depicting fierce opposition
• Some 19th century governments believed in minimal intervention, while the 1906 Liberal government promised radical reforms and higher taxes to help the poor