The effectiveness of the Liberal social welfare reformsRelative success of the Liberal reforms
Between 1906 and 1914, the Liberals introduced social reforms to assist the young, old, unemployed, sick and workers generally. They had a limited impact on improving people's lives.
Overall, the Liberal Reforms marked a transition point between the old laissez-faire attitudes and those of a more collectivist nature.
The reforms made limited inroads into the problem of poverty. The pensions paid were inadequate and the unemployment benefits helped only certain trades. In addition, although the employee was provided for, his family was not
The government was prepared to intervene to help the poor, but people had also to help themselves by making contributions towards their benefits.
Although the reforms would have improved people’s lives to an extent, this was not a comprehensive system.
It would take another 40 years before more significant social reform under the Labour government completed the work begun here by the Liberals.
