Health related legislation and figures

Question 1

First Act addressing issue of health?

Answer 1

Health of Towns Act 1848

Question 2

Which key figure was involved in the Health of Towns Act 1848?

Answer 2

Edwin Chadwick

Also involved in the ‘Poor Laws’.

Question 3

What Act replaced the ‘local health boards’ of the Health of Towns Act 1848?

Answer 3

Local Government Act 1858

Question 4

What did the Local Government Act 1858 provide for regarding public health?

Answer 4

Provides for:

• Local boards more power over proposed new buildings.
• Permitted boards to remove dangerous or dilapidated buildings.

Question 5

What was the succession of Acts addressing the issue of public health and sanitation following the Local Government Act 1858?

Answer 5

1) Public Health Act 1866-Drainage
2) Artisan’s Dwelling Act 1875-LA’s can buy and demolish run-down buildings
3) Public Health Act 1875-LA’s to appoint MO’s and Inspectors
4) Housing of the Working Classes Act 1885-Further empowered local gov. to shut down unhealthy slums.
5) Housing for the Working Classes Act 1890-London councils can build public housing.
6) Local Government Act 1894-District Councils
7) Housing for the Working Classes Act 1900-Rest of country can build public housing.

Question 6

Name some constraints that made the various pieces of legislation ineffective for combatting issues of health and sanitation.

Answer 6

1) Vested interests-of landlords who would rather cram in tenants etc.
2) Ideological opposition-infringement of the freedom of contract and the free market for rents etc.
3) Lack of understanding-of communicable diseases etc.
4) Lack of legal power-The Acts gave permission rather than enforcing laws.