The Administration of the Poor Law 1834-1875

Revision cards on how the Poor Law changed between 1834 and 1875

In accordance with Edexcel Unit 2

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The Poor Law Commission 1834

  • response to the Royal Commission Report
  • aimed for a universal system
  • aimed to abolish outdoor relief
  • aimed to encourage self-help, independence and utilisation of the workhouse
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The Poor Law Board 1847

  • replaced the Poor Law Commission
  • aimed for more direct political control over the Poor Law administration
  • aimed to be more responsive to public opinion and to address the needs of the public
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Outdoor Relief Regulation Order 1852

  • allowed relief in times of trade depression/economic downturn
  • allowed unions in England and Wales to replace the workhouse with outdoor labour
  • aimed to provide outdoor relief without labour in a trade depression
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Union Chargeability Act 1865

  • attempted to balance poor rates so the poorer parishes weren't paying the highest rates and the richest parishes weren't paying the lowest rates
  • ensured that each parish contributed to the common union fund based on its rateable value rather than the number of paupers it had. In other words, people paid in accordance with the value of their property
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The Poor Law Loans Act 1871

  • Guardians could raise loans for building works. The amount could be paid over 20-30 years so the repayments per year deacreased which made rates decrease.
  • Guardians could also spend more on the Poor Law without rates being raised to an unacceptable level
  • Guardians could improve workhouse conditions by being granted loans
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Local Government Board 1871

  • incorporated concerns over health and welfare
  • allowed government to be in charge of services
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