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The New Poor Law and the health of the population of England and Wales 1834-1860

Author

Listed:
  • Green, David
  • Geisler Mesevage, Gabriel
  • Mooney, Graham
  • Szreter, Simon

Abstract

We estimate the impact of reductions in poor law expenditure following the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act on rural life expectancy and mortality rates. We find that a 10 per cent decrease in poor law expenditure is associated with roughly a 1.5–2.0 per cent increase in early childhood mortality (ECMR). Our estimates imply 8–10 per cent increases in ECMR and 2–4 per cent falls in rural expectation of life at birth as a result of the spending cuts imposed by the Poor Law Amendment Act. These results help to explain the weak performance of mid-nineteenth century life expectancy measures during a period of rising real wages but falling welfare expenditure.

Suggested Citation

  • Green, David & Geisler Mesevage, Gabriel & Mooney, Graham & Szreter, Simon, 2023. "The New Poor Law and the health of the population of England and Wales 1834-1860," CEPR Discussion Papers 18505, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:18505
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public health; Government social and health spending; Uk economic history;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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