Government responses to inequalities

Question 1

BI

Answer 1

The Guardian has reported that the decade of austerity measures has broken Britain and has left lifelong consequences which will leave a scar on Britain for the rest of our lives.

Question 2

LOF

Answer 2

Universal credit, National living wage, educational maintenance allowance, free tuition fees, minimum unit pricing, baby boxes

Additional measures such as the Trussell Trust

Question 3

LOA

Answer 3

While gov measures are somewhat effective, they’re not doing enough as outside organisations are having to step in

Question 4

P1

Answer 4

One government policy that has arguably helped to solve social inequalities is UC

Question 5

P1 explain (key points)

Answer 5

Conservative gov’s flagship scheme that streamlined 6 benefits into 1.

Gives people monthly benefit, almost like a salary to keep them out of poverty

Not a lot to encourage people back into work

Have children or disabled you get a little more

Question 6

P1 example

Answer 6

in 2011, before roll-out of UC, unemployment rate = 7.1%, however in 2023, it was just over 4%.

Question 7

P1 analysis (key points)

Answer 7

Unemployment rate is at an all time low
128% increase in foodbanks since introduction of UC (according to Trussell Trust)

Question 8

P2

Answer 8

However, some people argue that the National Living Wage is more effective at tackling social inequalities

Question 9

P2 explain (key points)

Answer 9

Minimum amount you get paid for working
Enough money to cover essentials
NLW for 23+, NMW for under 23s

Question 10

P2 examples

Answer 10

NLW = £12.21 an hour, Real Living Wage foundation states that it should be 12.60 an hour

Question 11

P2 analysis

Answer 11

NLW = somewhat effective as helps to cover cost of basic essentials
Not enough to what it should be so increases person’s chances of living in poverty

Question 12

P1 + P2 link

Answer 12

Both are somewhat effective
NLW = more effective as more people will be in work than on UC
NLW = people have reliable income which reduces poverty

Question 13

P3

Answer 13

Another gov policy that is argued to help solve social inequalities is educational maintenance allowance (EMA)

Question 14

P3 explain (key points)

Answer 14

16-19 year olds below the poverty line in further education get £30 every 2 weeks. Covers cost of items needed for school.
Ensures kids from disadvantages backgrounds can still have equal opportunities and gain skills + qualifications which get them a good job, so also gets them out of poverty

Question 15

P3 example

Answer 15

15,000 students receiving EMA

Question 16

P3 analysis

Answer 16

The Robertson Trust states that 1 in 10 school leavers from the most deprived areas are unemployed 9 months after leaving school compared to just 2.6% from the least deprived areas

Question 17

P4

Answer 17

Another government policy that some argue is more effective is free tuition fees

Question 18

P4 explain (key points)

Answer 18

Further educational establishments don’t require you to pay to get in

Allows equal opportunities and Scotland can be as highly educated as it can be

Question 19

P4 examples

Answer 19

Over 16.5% of people going into further education are from the most deprived 20% of Scotland.
Average tuition fees in England + NI = £9,250

Question 20

P4 analysis

Answer 20

Free tuition fees are effective as increases amount of people accessing further education but there is still a gap between most and least affluent areas

Question 21

P3 + P4 link

Answer 21

Both policies are effective
EMA = more effective as more people will choose to stay on in school rather than attend uni
Reduces financial burden of school

Question 22

P5

Answer 22

Another policy is minimum unit pricing (MUP)

Question 23

P5 explain (key points)

Answer 23

Minimum price alcohol can be sold for per unit
MUP = 65P, increases as years go on
By increasing, makes it unaffordable so less alcohol related inequalities

Question 24

P5 examples

Answer 24

Since MUP, 4.1% decrease in alcohol related deaths, 13.2% decrease in alcohol related hospital admissions

40 Scots a week still die due to alcohol

Question 25

P5 analysis

Answer 25

MUP = effective as decrease in alcohol related inequalities, MUP disproportionately impacts those from most deprived backgrounds, many of whom are also classed as vulnerable in society

Question 26

P6

Answer 26

Another policy is baby boxes

Question 27

P6 explain (key points)

Answer 27

Provides essentials to new parents which will cover their baby from birth-6 months. Raising baby = expensive, allows children to have equal start in life. Money saved could be spent in other areas such as paying bills + rent

Question 28

P6 examples

Answer 28

Since March 1, 2024, SG has given out 292,725 baby boxes since introduction in 2017 Saves parents an average £420

Question 29

P6 analysis

Answer 29

Baby boxes are effective as it allows parents to spend money elsewhere helping them get out of poverty and reduces their chances of entering poverty

Question 30

P5 + P6 link

Answer 30

Baby boxes = more effective as don't disproportionately impact those who are already vulnerable in society Reduces financial burden of children, allowing parents to spend money in other areas, hopefully getting them out of poverty + reduces their chances of going into poverty due to children

Question 31

Trussell Trust

Answer 31

However, one reason that some may argue that the government's responses to social inequalities aren't effective is because outside organisations are having to step in Demonstrated by Trussell Trust

Question 32

Trussell Trust explain

Answer 32

Organisation that provides emergency food parcels to those in need, essentials to live healthy life.

Question 33

Trussell Trust example

Answer 33

currently 1,400 TT foodbanks in U.K

Question 34

Trussell Trust analysis

Answer 34

Vast majority of people seeking help was due to the fact that they couldn't afford essentials bcus their benefits from gov haven't been paid. Proves gov need to do more as outside organisations are having to step in as a result of their failures

Question 35

Conclusion (key points)

Answer 35

Most effective policy = EMA Increasing number of people staying on at school Helps to bridge attainment gap and allows people to get well-paying jobs, allowing them to get themselves out of poverty Least effective = MUP Disproportionately impacts those from most deprived backgrounds Still a lot of deaths due to alcohol Gov have had some success but still need to do more as outside organisations are having to step in, often bcus people are struggling due to the gov such as gov not paying benefits