How Far Do You Agree That The 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act Achieved Its Aims?

Question 1

What were the main aims of the polar amendment act 1834?

Answer 1

• the cost of the poor relief should be significantly reduced to the benefits of the rate payers
• Outdoor relief should be significantly reduced - after 1844 outdoor relief prohibitory order, it should be effectively abolished
• deterrent work houses should produce the system based upon the key principle of ‘less eligibility’
• different classes of paupers should be treated differently: the aged poor (more deserving) shouldn’t be subject to the same harshness as the able poor, children should receive education and some skills
• the centralization of the system under the poor commission should provide an efficient, uniform approach to poor relief across the country

Question 2

What was one way in which the aims were met? (Cost, poor rate decrease)

Answer 2

• cost of poor relief fell between 1833 to 1840, from 6.8 pounds per year to 4,000,000 pounds per year, a level around which it remained for the rest of the decade —> as a result local poor rate fell

Question 3

What was another way in which the aims were met?

Answer 3

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