the new poorlaw

... How far do these sources prove that the passing of the New Poor Law in 1834 was the result of economic concerns? These sources discuss the reasons as to why the New Poor Law was introduced. Before 1834, the cost of looking after the poor was growing more expensive every year. This displayed in source 3 when it states, 'While the present laws are I force, the cost of the fund for the maintenance of the poor will increase.' This cost was paid for by the middle and upper classes in each town through their local taxes. There was a real suspicion amongst the middle and upper classes that they were paying the poor to be lazy and avoid work. After years of complaint, a new Poor Law was introduced in 1834. The new Poor Law was meant to reduce the cost of looking after the poor, prevent scroungers and impose a

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