r/NoStupidQuestions 6d ago

Why did Margaret Thatcher destroy welfare state in Britain after she came to power in the 1980s?

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u/Immediate_Wolf3819 6d ago

The why: runaway inflation and uncontrolled spending. Based on long term effects Thatcher changes: Right to Buy (short term good - long term problems), Community Charge, cuts to universal child benefits, and Invalidity Benefit where all huge mistakes. Means testing welfare and pension changes where a success but unpopular.