Benefits Britain 1949

This first episode looks at how the state should support disabled, long-term sick and elderly people.

The second episode follows three claimants as they give up their 2013 entitlement to council housing and agree to be reassessed and rehoused according to 1949 rules.

Three unemployed claimants volunteer to live under the benefits rules of 1949. Britain needed rebuilding and there was a severe labour shortage. Anyone without work without good reason was regarded as workshy.