Describe the key features of the welfare reforms passed by the Liberal Governments of 1906-1911
Describe the key features of the welfare reforms passed by the Liberal Governments of 1906-1911
The liberal government under Bannerman passed limited reforms, by the time of his resignation the liberals were considered to be running out of steam. Trade Union reform such as the Trade Disputes Act had lead to slight dissatisfaction among Liberals as it turned out to be too radical. Other reforms such as the Merchant Shipping Act were not vote winners and failed to make any major impression. It wasn’t until 1908 when he resigned and the Liberals lead by Asquith began to push through more important reforming legislation.
There were reforms designed to help children and a children’s charter introduced. School meals were being provided by the local authorities and in 1914 it became compulsory. Millions of school children benefited and national efficiency may have began to improve. A civil servant slipped into legislation without notice a clause making it compulsory for schools to provide medical checks for children. In 1912 the grants were given to pay for children’s treatment. The liberals also changed the way children offenders were treated setting up juvenile courts and stopping kids from being sent to adult prisons. Secondary schools also had to allow a certain percentage of kids into the school free of charge.