1. We are learning to…
Examine whether government policies to reduce inequalities have been successful. 1

2. Success Criteria
I can answer exam style questions outlining government policies introduced to tackle poverty/income inequalities.

3. Things to Cover in Answers
Which groups that suffer from poverty
The policies introduced to tackle poverty and inequality
Working and Child Tax Credits
National Minimum Wage
Government Policies
Pensions/Pension Credits
Universal Credit Reforms

4. National Minimum Wage
Introduced 1st April Encouraged low-paid workers to move back into work, protects workers from exploitation
Helped to increase the income of over 1 million workers, 78% of whom were women.
The minimum wage rose in 2014 by the largest amount ever. According to the Government, the above-inflation change will mean more than 1 million people see their pay rise by up to £355 a year.
A vital safety net for low paid workers
Introduction of the new National Living Wage for over-25s in 2016 meant a 10.8% pay rise for those on the minimum wage in the previous year.

5. Tax Credits – Introduced by UK Labour Gov in 2000.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) – paid to families with children on low incomes. The lower the income, the higher the CTC payment.
Working Tax credit (WTC) – based on hours worked. Can be claimed by anyone who is working.
Lifted lots of lone parents and families with children out of poverty
SUCCESS of Tax Credits:
Things have improved in relative terms. Fewer children now live in what would have been called poverty a decade ago.
If government had merely increased tax allowances and benefits in line with inflation since 1999 there would be 1.7m more poor children in the UK today.

6. Universal Credit
Simplification of benefits system – introduce Universal Credit by merging JSA, housing benefit, child tax credit, working tax credit, income support and employment support allowance into a single universal payment
Child benefit will be cut for families with a higher rate tax payer from 2013, families with one earner on more than £50000 will see their benefit stopped
ALSO USE NOTES ON UNIVERSAL CREDIT HERE
Pensions
For the elderly in society. You must have reached the State Pension age to receive this benefit. For most people that is between 66 and 68 years old, depending on when they were born.

7. Pensions
For the elderly in society to combat poverty.
You must have reached the State Pension age to receive this benefit.
For most people that is between 66 and 68 years old, depending on when they were born.
The basic State Pension rate is currently £ per week.
You can top-up your pension with other benefits that you can qualify for such as Pension Tax Credits however this is means tested.