1886-1905: Conservative Governments and Early Social
Reforms
General Approach to Reform
The Conservative governments under Lord Salisbury (1886-1892, 1895-1902) and A.J.
Balfour (1902-1905) were reluctant to introduce radical social changes.
Many reforms were small-scale and focused on tidying up previous legislation rather
than making significant improvements.
Housing Reforms
Working Class Dwellings Act (1890): Allowed local councils to compulsorily purchase
land to build housing for workers.
However, councils were reluctant to fund new housing, leading to a shortage of
affordable homes despite slum clearances.
Improved housing conditions led to better hygiene, reducing overcrowding rates (from
11.2% in 1891 to 8.2% in 1901).
Public Health Improvements
The Public Health (London) Act (1891) extended earlier reforms, ensuring:
o Proper sewage disposal and clean water.
o Public health officials were required to have qualifications.
o Authorities could act against dangerous living conditions.
Death rates from diseases like typhoid and smallpox declined, but poor sanitation
remained a problem for many.
Working Conditions
Conditions were harsh, with long hours, low wages, and no safety regulations in most
industries.
The Factory and Workshops Act (1891):
o Banned child labor under age 11.
o Limited women’s working hours to 12 per day.
Reforms
General Approach to Reform
The Conservative governments under Lord Salisbury (1886-1892, 1895-1902) and A.J.
Balfour (1902-1905) were reluctant to introduce radical social changes.
Many reforms were small-scale and focused on tidying up previous legislation rather
than making significant improvements.
Housing Reforms
Working Class Dwellings Act (1890): Allowed local councils to compulsorily purchase
land to build housing for workers.
However, councils were reluctant to fund new housing, leading to a shortage of
affordable homes despite slum clearances.
Improved housing conditions led to better hygiene, reducing overcrowding rates (from
11.2% in 1891 to 8.2% in 1901).
Public Health Improvements
The Public Health (London) Act (1891) extended earlier reforms, ensuring:
o Proper sewage disposal and clean water.
o Public health officials were required to have qualifications.
o Authorities could act against dangerous living conditions.
Death rates from diseases like typhoid and smallpox declined, but poor sanitation
remained a problem for many.
Working Conditions
Conditions were harsh, with long hours, low wages, and no safety regulations in most
industries.
The Factory and Workshops Act (1891):
o Banned child labor under age 11.
o Limited women’s working hours to 12 per day.
