ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some general features of Attlee's welfare state and examines more particularly certain aspects of the social security system. In 1945 the Labour Party gained most of its political impetus by its determination to avoid the economic and social failures of the interwar period by far-reaching reform measures. The Labour aspirations for the reform of the social services were part of a closely interwoven general reform package, aiming at full employment, the establishment of effective economic controls, public ownership of vital parts of industry and social welfare. The motives behind the ideas for social policy reform were partly humanitarian, partly political and partly economic. Under the immediate post-war conditions housing represented 'the most pressing post-war social need'. As early as August 1945 Attlee stated in a Cabinet Note that no delay could be afforded in pushing on with the housing programme and that 'the utmost drive and vigour' had to be put 'into the campaign for houses'.
