[Margaret Pilkington]

Come on Jason, there is far more help and support now than there was back then and you know it.
I grew up in the late forties and early fifties and the welfare support then was far less than it is now. My mum had three jobs to try and feed us.....she got family allowance for one child....there were no tax credits. If you didn't work, it was simple...you didn't eat.
You could try to obtain National Assistance, but for most people this was unacceptable....it reflected badly on them.
We lived from hand to mouth. I lived it so I know what I am on about.