Poor Law

The Poor Law was the system for the provision of social security in operation in England and the United Kingdom from the 16th century until the establishment of the Welfare State in the 20th century.

The end of the Poor Law

The reforms of the Liberal Government 1905-14 made several provisions to provide social services without the stigma of the Poor Law, including Old Age Pensions and National Insurance, and from that period fewer people were covered by the system. Workhouses were officially abolished by the Local Government Act 1929 though some persisted into the 1940s. The remaining responsibility for the Poor Law was given to local authorities before final abolition in 1948.

Related Topics:
Local Government Act 1929 - 1940s

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