The reforms of the Liberals

... THE ELDERLY Old age was the single most important cause of poverty. The Liberal Reforms affected the elderly very much. Before the reforms old people were living on an income of £21 a year. Disease was spreading and the elderly could not afford health care so consequently came death. The pensions act was introduced in 1908. * 5 shillings per week to single people over 70 * Full amounts were only paid to those earning less than £21 per year. * The first pensions were paid in January 1909 and were very popular among the public. * The level of benefit was deliberately set low to encourage workers to also make their own provision for retirement. In order to be eligible, they had to be earning less than £31.50 per year, and had to pass a 'character test'; only those with a 'good character' could receive the pensions. These acts were not that effective, yes

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