The difficulties, which are certainly great, do not consist in the cost.

As it is, these unfortunate people cost the community one way or another considerably more than they contribute.

I do not refer solely to the fact that they cost the State more than they pay directly or indirectly in taxes.

I mean that altogether, ill-paid and half-starved as they are, they consume, or waste, or have expended on them, more wealth than they produce." Mr.Booth would remove the "very poor," and plant them in industrial communities under proper government supervision.
"Put practically, my idea is that these people should be allowed to live as families in industrial groups, planted wherever land and building materials were cheap; being well-housed and well-warmed, and taught, trained, and employed from morning to night on work, indoors or out, for themselves, or on Government account." The Government should provide material and tools, and having the people entirely on its hands, get out of them what it can.

Wages should be paid at a "fair proportionate rate," so as to admit comparison of earnings of the different communities, and of individuals.