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"The Workhouse should be a place
of hardship, of coarse fare, of degradation and humility; it should be
administered with strictness, with severity; it should be as repulsive as is
consistent with humanity."
The Revd. H. H. Milman to Edwin Chadwick, 1832
Poverty and the Treatment of the Poor
Introduction
Poverty had always been in existence in Britain, but due to Social and Economic
changes in society during the late 18th and 19th centuries, the number of poor
People rose dramatically. This became a major concern to the Government of the
time, and the issues had to be addressed.
During the early 18th century, the poor were supported in rural communities
under the auspices of the Old
Poor Law. A number of factors led to the rise in food prices and increased
population, the Industrial revolution and higher unemployment. The Speenhamland
System was introduced to supplement wages to the poor in line with the price of
bread. However, criticism of the Old Poor Law increased especially from
ratepayers who complained as to the increasing cost of caring for the poor. The
Government set up a Commission to examine the Poor Law and recommend changes and
improvements.
Factors that led to Poverty
- Old Age
- Loss of Major Breadwinner
- Illness
- Low Wages
- Unemployment
Pauperism caused by Old Age, Loss of the Major Breadwinner and Illness were
considered Deserving Poor. Circumstances usually beyond their control had led to
their demise. The Old Poor Law stated that they should enter a Workhouse, but in
reality they often received outdoor relief from the Parish overseer. The Idle
Poor were those whom it was considered did not wish to work, or did not work
hard enough to earn their living. Under the Old Poor Law they were to be sent to
the House of Correction (or Industry) where they would be given work in exchange
for a meager diet. Orphans were cared for by the Parish until they reached an
age where they could be "apprenticed".
The Government set up a Commission in 1832 consisting of eight commissioners
headed by an Economist, Nassau Senior, to investigate the Poor Law, and whether
reform was required.
These recommendations were incorporated into the Poor
Law Amendment Act 1834.
A new system of classification
of Paupers was introduced following the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834, whereby
all relief was to be given in a Union
Workhouse. Those considered Idle Poor under the Old Poor Law were
categorized Able-bodied Paupers. The view of Society was harsh towards them,
feeling that they did not wish to work or that work could be found if they tried
harder. In reality, a number of social changes led to their demise, namely:
- The Agricultural Revolution
- The Industrial Revolution
- Urbanisation
Workhouse Life
was intended to be harsh, and many cases were highlighted in an attempt to
relieve the conditions. Opposition
to the new Law increased especially to the Union Workhouses. Once again the
running costs began to rise, and many Unions returned to using some forms of
outdoor relief. Attention began to be raised as to the reasons for Poverty, and
many Campaigners worked tirelessly to reform the treatment of Paupers. This led
to a gradual and more sympathetic attitude to Poverty.
- Friendly Societies
- Charity Organisation Society
- Beatrice
Webb
- Henry Mayhew
- Dr Barnardo
- William
and Catherine Booth
- Charles
Booth
- Seebohm
Rowntree
- David Lloyd George
- Winston Churchill
- The
Fabian Society
Major reform of the Poor Law commenced with the introduction of National
Insurance followed by the Welfare State.
The Government Reforms from 1906
- An Act to allow free school meals, 1906
- School medical Service, 1907
- The Children and Young Persons Act 1908
- Old Age Pension for aged 70 plus, 1909
- Labour Exchange set up, 1909
- National Insurance Act, 1911
The First World War
The Great Depression
The future of Welfare following the second World War, was laid out by Sir
William Beveridge in The Beveridge Report 1942. In 1948 the Labour Government
set up The
National Health Service.
Page updated August 06, 2007
by Rossbret
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Poverty