Relief for the Unemployed

Following the end of World War I, there was great distress in Portsmouth due to unemployment caused by men returning to civilian life. An Unemployment Committee was established which had the main aim of providing work paid for by the council. These projects included the extension of the Esplanade beyond the Marine Barracks, the development of Great Salterns, and construction of three new roads running off Portsea Island. In addition, the Town Council voted £25,000 for the relief of the poor for the winter of 1919. Things did slowly improve however with the Unemployment Committee disbanding in 1926.