The Liberal Party failed to make any real progress in the fight against poverty.' Do you agree? Explain your answer.

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‘The Liberal Party failed to make any real progress in the fight against poverty.’

Do you agree? Explain your answer.

I somewhat agree to the above statement. I believe that the Liberal Party failed to make any real progress, however there are several reasons for the social reforms becoming the foundations for the end of poverty. Although there were several benefits for the poor, these new social reform acts wouldn’t have tackled poverty.

The social reforms were government legislation improving the lifestyle of the very poor in the country. They helped a wide variety of people including workers, children and the elderly. There were several points of success to these reforms. Children could be detected for illnesses early on, were given a better diet, and were protected improving their standard of living. Workers were relieved from medical costs, or unemployment due to sickness or a seasonal job. The elderly no longer had to worry about old age or about relying on their children for money, or even entering the workhouse.

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Firstly, Local authorities were not forced to provide free school meals to children, and were not given money to provide for them. Likewise medical treatment wasn’t free when the act was passed; just the inspection was free. Also orphans had no assistance from the government. This meant that children could still suffer the affects of growing up in a poor family.

Secondly, poorer people didn’t usually live until 70, the minimum age to claim the old age pension. Prior to this, many people would be out of work due to age discrimination, and would have to rely on their children ...

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