Examine the extent to which the aims of the Beveridge report of 1942 had been achieved by 1951.

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Examine the extent to which the aims of the Beveridge report of 1942 had                    been achieved by 1951.In 1945 the Atlee Labour party came to power, as they had the policies and beliefs, which the British public saw, applicable to them. Labour was the socialist party and wanted to look after the poor and needy, whilst helping the British public socially and economically. Labour wanted equality, state planning and wanted to spend money on the British public. The Labour Party planned on doing everything in the Beveridge report, which is what I will reach a conclusion to as whether the aims of the Beveridge report were reached by 1951.              The Beveridge report was published in December 1942, it created a phenomenal sensation. No government publication has ever aroused such interest. The report shifted a massive 635,000 copies. Everyone was interested in what Beveridge had to say as it could help them. Beveridge was interested in social issues, especially unemployment and poverty. William Beveridge was a Liberal. No one had anticipated Beveridge to write the report as quickly as he did. Beveridge decided it was time for fundamental changes in British Society. Thus he printed his report expressing his ideas for Fundamental changes to be made. Before the Beveridge report there were several patchworks of provision. Social welfare before Beveridge was mildly successful. The acts already in place before the Beveridge report were; 1908 – Old Age Pensions Act, which stated that people aged 70 and Over were eligible for a small pension – this wasn’t universal as it was
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biased to what income you received.           1911 – National Health Insurance Act provided compulsory health insurance for all workers aged 16-70.           1920-21 – Unemployment Insurance Acts, the acts were to cover workers earning £250 and less per year.           1925 – Old age Pensions Act increased the contributions given by national insurance to bridge gap for the retiring age of 70.           These were the main changes introduced between the wars. This shows that the government were taking a greater responsibility for social welfare. By 1939 19.2 million (about 54% of adults) could claim health insurance as the earning point was extended ...

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