Social developments

Abstract

Throughout the nineteenth century, under pressure from desperate social needs and a small band of dedicated reformers, Parliament concerned itself with reform aimed at improving the conditions of life and work. There were Acts of Parliament which created an educational system and an administrative framework by which public health services could be provided, which gave powers to local authorities to provide housing, local transport services, libraries and parks, or which protected the workers against exploitation by employers. Great strides were made in these directions but, in the view of those whose health and happiness they were designed to protect, the reforms came too slowly; too often they were too little and too late.