The NHS and the welfare state
I can describe how the post-war Labour government created the modern welfare state, including National Insurance and the NHS.
The NHS and the welfare state
I can describe how the post-war Labour government created the modern welfare state, including National Insurance and the NHS.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The government increased general taxation to pay for child allowances to alleviate child poverty.
- The government introduced National Insurance, to which all workers contributed from their salary.
- The National Insurance scheme would give people state support if they became ill or lost their job.
- In 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) was created which was universal and free at the point of use.
- Reforms introduced by the government formed the basis of the modern welfare state.
Keywords
Welfare state - a system in which the government protects the health and well-being of its citizens by providing grants, pensions and other benefits
Taxation - the system of routinely paying money to the government
Common misconception
Every element of the NHS was free for a considerable time after its creation.
Every element of the NHS was only free for a short time, as the overwhelming demand resulted in the need to introduce prescription fees.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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