Available online
Description
By illustrating certain aspects of the welfare state in Great Britain, this programme examines something of the nature of British politics. The nature of the welfare system is illustrated and the i...mportance of means-tested benefits. The divided attitudes of the British public are considered and the impact of this on the structure of the welfare system. A welfare advocacy group, 'Form Market' is highlighted in the programme in order to point out the discretionary nature of welfare benefits and the importance of 'advocacy help' in achieving full entitlements. The conflicts that such a group as Form Market has with the local Labour Authority are a central part of the programme. The debate on who best represents 'working class interests' is highlighted in this conflict and its impact on British politics is assessed.
By illustrating certain aspects of the welfare state in Great Britain, this programme examines something of the nature of British politics. The nature of the welfare system is illustrated and the i...mportance of means-tested benefits. The divided attitudes of the British public are considered and the impact of this on the structure of the welfare system. A welfare advocacy group, 'Form Market' is highlighted in the programme in order to point out the discretionary nature of welfare benefits and the importance of 'advocacy help' in achieving full entitlements. The conflicts that such a group as Form Market has with the local Labour Authority are a central part of the programme. The debate on who best represents 'working class interests' is highlighted in this conflict and its impact on British politics is assessed.
| Module code and title: | D232, Comparative politics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D232; 04 |
| First transmission date: | 08-06-1979 |
| Published: | 1979 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:15 |
| Note: | First shown as DE206/02(1979) |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Francis Sealey |
| Contributors: | Paul Cassidy; Tom Crellin; Kevin Cutts; Eric Deacon; Eileen Howarth; Kathleen Kerr; David Marquand; John Wallace |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Local government; Politics; Welfare |
| Footage description: | The programme begins with Eric Deacon, Parliamentary Under Secretary for the DHSS, talking about the relative nature of poverty. David Marquand, of Salford University, argues that comparisons of welfare provision between two countries can provide a lot of insight into the politics of those countries. Kevin Cutts, Welfare Benefits Advisor, describes the Salford 8 area. We see shots of slums and dilapidated housing. A tenant in the area, Kathleen Kerr, describes her house. Kevin Cutts argues that there is a need for people to be told about their rights. Salford Market. David Marquand talks about attitudes in Britain towards people who receive welfare. Mr and Mrs Bunting, claimants, describe their living conditions and how much help they get from the social security. People in the street give their opinions about welfare claimants. Mi and Mrs McLaren, pensioners, describe how they manage on their welfare payments. Paul Cassidy, welfare adviser, discusses the need for advisers in the Salford area. We see a woman, Pauline Sheldon, asking for advice at a welfare centre, Form Market. Eileen Howarth describes how the people at Form Market helped her. Kevin Cutts, of Form Market, criticises the local Labour council for not giving his organisation Urban Aid. Eric Deacon discusses criticism of the social services and argues that it is easier for central government to bear this criticism than for local government. Kevin Cutts criticises the local council. David Marquand describes the inherent conservatism of bureaucracies. Tom Crellin, a local councillor, gives some background information about the dispute between Form Market and the local council. Kevin Cutts describes the conflict. He explains why he stood as a candidate in the local elections, in order to embarrass the local council. Eric Deacon states that most pressure groups contain Labour Party sympathisers. John Wallace of CRACA, a second welfare group, explains how they obtained Urban Aid. Grace Leighton of the Citizens Advice Bureau explains why her organisation obtained Urban Aid. Kevin Cutts criticises the Citizens Advice Bureau, arguing that claimants need support and that advocacy is essential. Grace Leighton counters these arguments by dismissing the commonly held view that the CAB is middle class. Several of the people who spoke earlier argue that it is a pity that Form Market has to cut back its activities. David Marquand describes how the Labour Party now represents the interests of the affluent worker rather than the poorer worker. Eric Deacon says he would like to see society becoming more socialist, so altering attitudes towards the poor. |
| Production number: | FOUDOO4X |
| Videofinder number: | 108 |
| Available to public: | no |
