... of raising and administering poor relief2. 'Poor Law' of 1601 was established. This was a basic taxation of the rich to encourage the home parishes to supply housing. Invariably this lead to the instigation of workhouses and the impoverished living standards associated with it. However, this form of assistance carried on until the Rent Act of 1915 and the 1939 Rent Act both of which were replaced by the Rent Act of 1977, and this Act is still relevant today, but is being phased out as tenants quit or die. The National Assistance Act 1948 is passed, Poor Law is abolished and the National Health Service began. But it wasn't until the 1960's that the awareness of the homeless dilemma was given any great thought and in 1972 the Local Government Act was introduced giving the local housing authorities powers to assist the homeless. However the Secretary of State could ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now