Social policies: government legislation and local initiatives; taxation and welfare reform by 1914
Between 1906 and 1914, the Liberal government passed laws to help the poor, the sick, and the elderly. These reforms used new taxes on the wealthy to fund state support for the first time.
Real World
Rowntree's York survey found that 28% of the city's population lived below the poverty line through no fault of their own — evidence that directly pressured Lloyd George to introduce the Old Age Pensions Act 1908, giving 5 shillings a week to those over 70.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'explain' reforms, always link cause to specific legislation and name the tax mechanism (People's Budget 1909).
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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