You get what you deserve

[lardy]

I was suggesting the huge increase in food bank demand is merely reflective of the number of outlets dispensing grub.

In 1946 the government of the day introduced Family Allowance (the forerunner to Child Benefit). Suddenly a vast number of parents who had two or more dependent children qualified for a weekly payment to supplement their income, and of course the majority piled in for it despite being able to get by in previous years without it. Another example is Winter Fuel Payment. That didn't exist until 1997... then 12 million (mostly oldies) rushed to get their mitts in the cookie jar. Like I said, freebies have always been incredibly popular.

Previous years to 1946... Presumably you're talking about the war years when fathers were away fighting and half the kids from cities were evacuated off to the country.

[Organ Morgan.]

Previous years to 1946... Presumably you're talking about the war years when fathers were away fighting and half the kids from cities were evacuated off to the country.

No. I meant any year between 1909 and 1945. 1909 because that was the year the British welfare state begun with the introduction of the State Pension.

[lardy]

No. I meant any year between 1909 and 1945. 1909 because that was the year the British welfare state begun with the introduction of the State Pension.

Comparing 1946 to any other year is total nonsense. Have you read a history book to see what happened?