Soc inequality - Effectiveness of measures taken to tackle inequalities Flashcards
Factors
Universal credit, the Scottish child payment, free school meals, free prescriptions
LOA
This essay will provide the evidence to show what measures the government has taken to deal with inequalities and that they have been effective to a limited extent
Universal Credit
One measure taken to tackle wealth inequalities is Universal Credit. This is a weekly benefit that brings together a range of six working-age benefits into one payment. It was introduced in 2013 to encourage those on benefits to take us paid work. In 2020, the unemployment rates reached only 4% and have remained the same since the end of lockdown. As 4% is very low, it could support calling UC successful because it shows that unemployment remained small even through the difficulty of lockdown. However, it could be argued that universal credit doesnt do enough for those facing poverty, it has been criticised for it’s cost, as well as being difficult for those already on benefits or those with mental health issues to access. According to the Trussel Trust, by 2022 the use of foodbanks increased by 128% in areas UC has been rolled out. This suggests that UC is not enough for someone to avoid the pressures of poverty. Therefore, universal credit has been successful in tackling wealth inequalities to a moderate extent.
The Scottish Child payment
As a result of increasing statistics in child poverty, the Scottish Child payment is a measure put in place to reduce income inequalities. This is a benefit designed to lift the pressures of childcare off of families. The payment began as children under 16 getting £10 a week, but by the end of 2022 it changed to £20 a week. This shows that the government is concerned by the poverty statistics as children suffer from poverty at a higher rate than any other group in society. However, it could be argued that the benefit needs to be higher because many children and families are still struggling from the pressure of poverty. Child poverty has increased from 23% to 26%. This shows that the benefit is not succeeding in meeting childrens needs which is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty early in life. Therefore, child payment has only tackled wealth inequalities to a limited extent as it still has a long way to go because children are vital to the future success of any country.
Free school meals
Another measure introduced to tackle income inequalities is free school meals. This is a universal benefit introduced in 2015 which provides all p1-3 pupils with free school meals with the aim to ensure every child has the best possible start in life in order to succeed in school and also ease the pressure of the cost of childcare. 81.7% of children recieve free meals, saving families around £380 a year for each eligible child. This helps to tackle of poverty as families can spend their money on other essential things such as food, clothes, housing etc. However, it can be argued that free school meals are successful with some flaws as free school meals are only available to p1-3, resulting in the rest of families with children struggling without the benefit. In november 2020, the SNP pledged to expand free school meals to all primary children but it will be difficult to pay for. Therefore, free school meals have been successful in tackling wealth inequalities to a moderate extent as the benefit does help some but it is only available to some individuals.
Free prescriptions
A final measure taken to tackle health inequalities is free prescriptions. This was introduced in April 2011 to allow those suffering from poverty and health conditions to continue taking their medication. This can save people with long term health conditions around £380 a year, which will help tackle inequalities as their money can be spent on other necessities. However, it could be argued that many people in professional jobs with high salaries can afford to pay for their medication. Free prescriptions are a universal benefit and not means tested. Prior to the introduction of free prescriptions in Scotland, the £3 prescription charge raised £7 million for the NHS. This lost money could be used to fund other areas of the NHS e.g. tackling cancer rates. Therefore, free prescriptions have been successful in tackling health inequalities to a moderate extent, as it helps people living in poverty, yet, it could be argued that this measure should only apply to those in the greatest need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government have been effective in tackling inequalities to a limited extent. Although universal credit has motivated people to find employment, the evidence showing the rise in food banks suggests it is not enough to support peoples needs. Free prescriptions, child payment and free school meals have admirable aims but haven’t reduced inequalities in a remarkable way. They still have a long way to go if they want to reduce the figures of 1 in 5 living in poverty in the UK.
