Decline and abolition of the poor law system facts for kids

The Poor Law system in England and Wales was a way the government tried to help poor people. It had been around for a very long time. But around 1870, fewer and fewer people needed to use it. This trend continued until the start of the First World War in 1914.

The old Poor Law system slowly disappeared. This happened because new ways of helping people became available. People could join groups like friendly societies or trade unions. These groups offered support when times were tough. Local councils also started to offer help with jobs outside the Poor Law. Later, the government, especially the Liberal party, introduced new laws called the Liberal reforms. These changes helped pave the way for the Poor Law to be completely removed.

During the years between the two World Wars, many people lost their jobs. This meant more people needed help from the Poor Law system again. However, in 1929, a new law called the Local Government Act 1929 changed things. It got rid of the old Poor Law Unions, which were the local groups that ran the system. Instead, local councils took over helping the poor. This made the old Poor Law system less important.

In 1934, a new group called the Unemployment Assistance Board was created. Its job was to help people who were unemployed. Then, between 1945 and 1948, a big change happened. The government created the modern welfare state. This included important services like the National Health Service (NHS), which provides healthcare for everyone. Finally, in 1948, the National Assistance Act was passed. This law officially ended all the old Poor Law rules for good.

What Was the Poor Law System?

The Poor Law system was a set of laws in England and Wales. It was designed to help people who were very poor. For hundreds of years, it was the main way the government dealt with poverty.

How Did It Work?

Under the Poor Law, local areas had to look after their own poor. This often meant sending people to a workhouse. A workhouse was a place where poor people could live and work. Life in a workhouse was usually very strict and hard. The idea was to make it unpleasant so people would try hard to find work outside.

Why Did the Poor Law Start to Fade?

The Poor Law system began to decline for several reasons. New ideas about helping people emerged. Also, other groups started offering support.

New Ways to Help People

Many people found help outside the Poor Law.

• Friendly Societies: These were groups where people paid a small amount of money regularly. If they got sick or couldn't work, the society would give them money. It was like an early form of insurance.
• Trade Unions: These groups represented workers. They fought for better pay and conditions. They also sometimes offered support to members who were out of work.
• Local Government Help: Local councils started to offer jobs or relief directly. This was different from the strict Poor Law workhouses.

Government Changes and Reforms

The government also began to change its approach.

• Liberal Reforms: In the early 1900s, the Liberal government introduced many new laws. These laws aimed to help people in different ways. They included things like old-age pensions and national insurance. These reforms meant people had other ways to get help besides the Poor Law. This was a big step towards the idea of a welfare state.

The Poor Law During Tough Times

The years between the First and Second World Wars were difficult. Many people lost their jobs. This period is known as the "interwar years."

Rising Unemployment

During these years, unemployment was very high. More people needed help. The Poor Law system saw an increase in people asking for support. However, it was clear the old system wasn't enough. It struggled to cope with so many people needing help.

The End of the Poor Law

The final steps to end the Poor Law happened in the mid-20th century. New laws and ideas completely replaced it.

Major Changes in the 1920s and 1930s

• Local Government Act 1929: This important law changed how poor relief was managed. It got rid of the old Poor Law Unions. Instead, local councils took over the responsibility. This was a big move away from the old system.
• Unemployment Assistance Board 1934: A new national board was created. Its main job was to help people who were unemployed. This meant that unemployment was no longer just a local Poor Law issue. It became a national responsibility.

The Birth of the Welfare State

After the Second World War, there was a strong desire to build a better society.

• Modern Welfare State: Between 1945 and 1948, the government created the modern welfare state. This meant the government took on a much bigger role in looking after its citizens. It aimed to provide support "from the cradle to the grave."
• National Health Service (NHS): A key part of the welfare state was the creation of the NHS in 1948. This meant everyone could get free healthcare. This was a huge change and a big step away from the old Poor Law idea.
• National Assistance Act 1948: This law was the final nail in the coffin for the Poor Law. It officially repealed, or cancelled, all the old Poor Law legislation. From this point on, the Poor Law system was completely gone. New systems were in place to help people in need.