Means Test Flashcards
What was the Means Test?
Introduced in 1931 - it was an attempt to control the high cost of unemployment benefit. After 6 months on unemployment benefit, people went onto the ‘dole’ - BUT - before they could get the dole, they had to go through an inspection of their houses, possessions and savings - a means test - to make sure they really needed it.
Who conducted the Means Tests?
The Public Assistance Committees (PACs), which had been set up in 1930.
What impacts could it have on people claiming the dole?
Families could be forced to sell furniture.If a family had any other sources of income - such as a part-time job or the pension of an elderly relative - it could be deducted from the dole payments.
How much was the dole?
The amount paid was based on the income of the whole family - but the maximum payment varied from area to area. In 1936, the maximum amount was £180 - well below the average wage of £3.00.
Why was the Means Test unpopular?
Many claimed it was more about saving the government money rather than helping the unemployed;
The PACs were resented for inspecting people’s private belongings and making them sell some of them;
People had to make some relatives live elsewhere if they wanted to qualify for the maximum available amount;
Some local authorities were very harsh. Others, like County Durham, refused to carry out the Means Test at all.
How did people protest against the Means Test?
There were many protests, the most important were known as hunger marches. By the end of 1931, there had been more than 30 hunger marches across Britain.
Were protests all peaceful?
No - in 1932, there were clashes with police in Belfast and Rochdale and 2 demonstrators were killed.
What was the NUWM?
The National Unemployed Workers’ Movement was set up to put pressure on the government. It organised a march on London in October 1932 to present a petition to government but they were stopped by police.
