To what extent has the Welfare State been in safe hands?

... To what extent has the Welfare State been in safe hands? John Siddle The general ethos of the welfare state is to provide its citizens' quality of life. However, this remarkable ideology of a "cradle to the grave" system is becoming ever more jeopardized by various factors encompassed within the relationship between an ever-increasing population and a distinct lack of funds. In 1906, under a Liberal government, the origins of the welfare state can be seen. Balfour et al introduced social reforms to stabilize the significant increase in poverty. This was the first time a government has abolished the concept of 'laissez faire'. Critics declared the intervention would result in a dependency culture, perhaps like the one we arguably see today. Supporters, however, said that these cornerstones laid the foundation of today's welfare state. Under Attlee's 1945-51 administration, the welfare state saw these original provisions become available to everyone (universality).

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