National Assistance Act 1948 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to terminate the existing poor law and to provide in lieu thereof for the assistance of persons in need by the National Assistance Board and by local authorities; to make further provision for the welfare of disabled, sick, aged and other persons and for regulating homes for disabled and aged persons and charities for disabled persons; to amend the law relating to non-contributory old age pensions; to make provision as to the burial or cremation of deceased persons; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid. |
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| Citation | 11 & 12 Geo 6 c.29 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
The National Assistance Act 1948 was a very important law in the United Kingdom. It was passed by the Labour government, led by Prime Minister Clement Attlee. This Act officially ended the old Poor Law system, which had been in place for hundreds of years.
Instead of the old system, this new law created a "social safety net." This means it provided help for people who needed it most. This included those who couldn't work or were struggling. It especially helped people who weren't covered by other new laws, like the National Insurance Act 1946.
Contents
What Was the National Assistance Act?
This Act was a big step in creating a modern welfare state in the UK. It made sure that everyone had some basic support. It helped people who didn't pay national insurance contributions. These contributions are like payments people make from their wages. They help them get benefits later.
The Act helped people like:
- Those who were homeless.
- People with physical disabilities.
- Unmarried mothers.
It also gave extra help to older people. This was for those who needed more money to live.
How Did Local Authorities Help?
The Act also made local councils responsible for something important. They had to provide suitable places to live for people who needed care. This included those who were:
- Infirm (weak or ill).
- Elderly.
- In need of care for any other reason.
The law also allowed local councils to give money to volunteer groups. These groups helped by providing fun activities or meals for people.
The National Assistance Board
The National Assistance Board was the group that managed this new system. They set up payment rates that were more generous than before. For example, a married couple received 31 shillings a week before the new service. After the Act, they received 40 shillings a week. They also got money for their rent.
Denis Nowell Pritt, a well-known lawyer, noted something important. He said that in most cases, the rent allowance was the actual rent paid. This meant people got enough money to cover their housing costs.
Support for Disabled People
Section 29 of the Act gave local councils the power to help people with physical disabilities. They could promote their well-being.
For people with mental disabilities, a different system was set up. Their care became the responsibility of mental health departments. These departments were part of the new National Health Service. This meant that everyone who needed these services could get them. It didn't matter if they could pay or not.
See also
- Pensions in the United Kingdom
