Tony Lynes Collection

This material is held atUniversity of Leeds Special Collections

Scope and Content

Includes Tony Lynes' research papers and articles on pensions mainly relating to the United Kingdom. Also contains research papers and drafts of his unfinished book about the Unemployment Assistance Board: 'Re-inventing the dole: a history of the Unemployment Assistance Board, 1934-1990'. These include original UAB papers annotated by Lynes.

The collection also contains correspondence between Lynes and various organisations and individuals. Of particular note is correspondence between Professor Richard Titmuss and Lynes. There are some papers on social policy.

Some of Tony Lynes' papers can be found at the London School of Economics, see LYNES/M3519.

Administrative / Biographical History

Tony Lynes (1929-2014) was a British writer and a campaigner on social security and pensions. He initially worked as a Chartered Accountant, before becoming the assistant to Professor Richard Titmuss at the London School of Economics from 1958-1965. There he worked primarily on Labour Party pension policy. From 1966-1968 Lynes was the secretary of the Child Poverty Action Group, before moving on to work for Oxfordshire social services department. He advised the Labour Secretaries of State on social security from 1974-1979. Lynes was a prolific writer on pension policy and wrote a history of the Unemployment Assistance Board entitled 'Reinventing the Dole'.

The Unemployment Assistance Board was set up in the United Kingdom in 1934. It was a government department with its own budget. The Board administered a set of means tested benefits. Eliglibility for benefits increased as a result.

Access Information

Some parts of this collection have not been listed in detail and access may be restricted under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation. Please consult the relevant part of the catalogue for specific details. Where a detailed record does not exist, please contact Special Collections. Upon receipt of your request, a member of the team will discuss your requirements with you and review relevant material accordingly.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Tony Lynes' widow, Sally Lynes.

Tony Lynes also donated some records to the London School of Economics, see their reference M3519.

Conditions Governing Use

Material in this collection is in copyright. Photocopies or digital images can only be supplied by the Library for research or private study within the terms of copyright legislation. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder's permission to reproduce for any other purpose. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.

Personal Names