POOR LAW COMMISSION

COMMISSION:

• was established to administer the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834
• they were based in Somerset House, London
• three main Commissioners:
  - George Nicholls
  - John Shaw Leferve
  - Thomas Frankland Lewis
• Edwin Chadwick, who was behind the Report, hoped to become a commissioner but was instead made secretary to the commission which he felt bitter about for years to come
• they had 9 assisstant commissioners who made sure laws were implemented locally
• was an independent part of parliament but they had no spokesperson in parliament to defend criticism
• the commissioners were labelled the 'Three Bashaws of Somerset House'
• they did however have a strong constitutional position because of its associations with parliament
• they could draw up regulations and monitor them
• they could set dietaries for the workhouses
• could refuse to allow certain buildings

UNITING PARISHES:

• the first task of the assisstant commissioners was to establish groups of unions made up of parishes
• they needed it done quickly so they could reduce the cost of relief
• ideally they wanted…