1. Benefits in the UK

2. Lesson Objectives
I will get the opportunity to recap my understanding of the principles of the Welfare State.
I will get the opportunity to apply my understanding of the principles of the Welfare State to the benefits system.
I will get the opportunity to share my opinion on whether the benefits system meets the needs of 21st century Britain.

3. Recap Questions
What are the four founding principles/aims of the Welfare State?
What are the “five giants” that the Welfare State would fight?

4. The Benefits System in the UK
The UK operates a liberal model of welfare state support (i.e. distinction between deserving and undeserving poor). This means that the benefits people without work receive depend on their individual circumstances e.g.
single, married or widowed; with or without children
whether caring for someone who is sick or disabled
having responsibility for children with special needs
sick and unable to work.
Note: Benefit payments in the UK are either universal or means-tested.
Universal is for all. Means tested is where income is taken into account before deciding payment.

5. Definitions of Means-tested
For information: Definition of means-tested
To qualify for most social security payments applicants must satisfy a ‘means-test’. Your means are any income you or your spouse/partner have or property (except your family home) or an asset which could bring in money to provide you with an income.
Means-testing is applied to a range of support including:
Income-based JSA
Child Tax Credit
Child Benefit (Apr 2013)
Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit (Bedroom Tax Apr 2013).

6. Sky News on the Universal Credit
When watching the video clip (April 2013) answer the following questions;
Why does IDS claim Universal Credit will be good?
What are the main advantages of Universal Credit offered by the Centre for Social Justice?
What are the main criticisms of Universal Credit offered by Owen Jones?

7. IDS on Housing Benefit reform
When watching the video clip answer the following questions;
Why does he claim housing benefit needs to be reformed?
Why does he argue there are issues today with the housing benefit bill?
What is one of the main criticisms of the “bedroom tax?”

8. British Social Attitudes 2012
This survey shows attitudes towards the Welfare State and benefits provided by it have hardened;

9. British Social Attitudes 2012
This survey shows attitudes towards the Welfare State and benefits provided by it have hardened;

10. Task Take a copy of the article “The War Over Welfare.”
Read the article and complete the questions below;
To what extent are the Coalition’s Welfare Reforms in keeping with the original principles of the Welfare State?
Remember to refer to the principles i.e.
collectivist, comprehensive, equality, universal.
What are the main criticisms of the welfare reforms?
Do these reforms have public support? Provide evidence for your answer.
Do you support the welfare reforms? Explain your answer.

11. Conclusions
The Welfare State has consistently became more costly to the UK Government since it was established after World War II.
The Welfare State (not including the NHS) costs approximately £200 billion annually. This is one third of all government spending.
The cost of the Welfare State has doubled in the last 50 years.
It will be a source of fierce debate in the months ahead, particularly as charities in Scotland are demanding a debate on the future of welfare regardless of the outcome of next year’s referendum.