Beveridgerapporten

Beveridgerapporten, or The Beveridge Report, is the name given to the 1942 British government report officially titled Social Insurance and Allied Services. Written by economist and social reformer William Beveridge, it was produced during the Second World War to outline a blueprint for a postwar welfare state. The report argued that society should provide comprehensive protection against the major insecurities of life, aiming to secure “from cradle to grave” a basic standard of living for all citizens.

Central to the Beveridge vision were five large social risks or “giants” to be tackled: want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness. Beveridge proposed a universal, rather than means-tested, system of social security funded by contributions and taxes. The plan called for broad social insurance that would guarantee access to essential services and benefits, with the state taking responsibility for their provision and financing. A key element was the creation of a national health service and the expansion of public health and social services, alongside improvements in pensions, unemployment insurance, and education.

Impact and legacy: The report profoundly influenced British policy after the war. Its recommendations contributed to landmark reforms, including the National Insurance Act 1946 and the creation of the National Health Service in 1948, helping establish the postwar welfare state. The Beveridge Report also shaped welfare debates in other countries. It is often cited as a foundational document for modern social security, though it has faced criticism regarding cost, implementation, and long-term sustainability.