The Poor Law Reform Act of 1834 was designed reduce the cost of supporting the unemployed and poverty-stricken, by forcing those seeking help apply to workhouses where they would be made to undertake manual labour.  Previously such people had been supported by grants - ' outdoor relief' as opposed to incarceration -  raised through parish poor rates that were levied on the local property owners.  This new was regarded by its supporters more efficient and cheaper.

Reference:
Bates, Stephen - Two Nations: Britain in 1846. (London,  Head of Zeus, 2015) p54

186, 399, 458, 542