Law
Public Health Act 1936
United Kingdom · statute
Ask the law about thisMore laws of United KingdomFor machines: Markdown
In force since 2026-04-28, as the publisher states.
Copy read on 2026-11-09. The page it was read from
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.
sha256 742214dd453477adeb79d94896bf03a35a90abacf810dfe9e2b3ed23f481af74
Contents: 207 provisions
- Title and introductory text
- 1 Local authorities for purposes of Act.
- 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 6 Union of districts, or parts of districts, for certain purposes under joint board.
- 7 Restriction on discharge of functions by local authorities within united district.
- 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 9 General provisions as to orders constituting port health districts, united districts and joint boards.
- 10 Borrowing powers of port health authorities and joint boards.
- 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 33 Application of 27 & 28 Vict. c. 114 to works for supply of sewage.
- 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 45 Buildings having defective closets capable of repair.
- 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 48 Power of local authority to examine and test drains, &c., believed to be defective.
- 49 Rooms over closets of certain types, or over ashpits, &c., not to be used as living, sleeping or workrooms.
- 50 Overflowing and leaking cesspools.
- 51 Care of closets.
- 52 Care of sanitary conveniences used in common.
- 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 78 Scavenging of common courts and passages.
- 79 [Power to require removal of noxious matter by occupier of premises in urban district.
- 80 [Power to require periodical removal of manure, &c. from stables, &c. in urban district.
- 81 Byelaws for the prevention of certain nuisances.
- 82 Byelaws as to removal through streets of offensive matter or liquid.
- 83 Cleansing of filthy or verminous premises.
- 84 Cleansing or destruction of filthy or verminous articles.
- 85 Cleansing of verminous persons and their clothing.
- 86 Provision of cleansing stations.
- 87 Provision of public conveniences in England .
- 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 90 Interpretation of Part II.
- 91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 124 Certain public pumps, wells, cisterns, &c. vested in local authority.
- 125 Power of parish council to utilise wells, springs or streams for obtaining water.
- 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 140 Power to close, or restrict use of water from, polluted source of supply.
- 141 Power to deal with insanitary cisterns, &c.
- 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 143 Power of Minister to make regulations with a view to the treatment of certain diseases, and for preventing the spread of such diseases.
- 144 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 198 Provision of mortuaries and post-mortem rooms.
- 199 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 204 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 205 Women not to be employed in factories . . . within four weeks after birth of a child.
- 206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 221 Power of local authority to provide baths, bathing places and washhouses.
- 222 Charges for use of baths, &c.
- 223 Byelaws for regulation of baths, &c.
- 224 Baths, &c., to be public places for certain purposes.
- 225 Use of baths and bathing places for swimming contests, &c., or by schools or clubs.
- 226 Closing of baths and bathing places during winter months, and use for other purposes.
- 227 Power of local authority to lay pipes for purposes connected with baths, &c.
- 228 Power of trustees to sell existing baths, &c., to local authority.
- 229 Power of statutory undertakers to supply water, gas or electricity to baths, &c., on favourable terms.
- 230
- 231 Byelaws with respect to public bathing.
- 232 Provision of bathing huts, &c.
- 233 Byelaws with respect to swimming baths and bathing pools not under the management of a local authority.
- 234 Provision of life-saving appliances.
- 235 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 249
- 250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 251 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 252 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 253 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 258 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 259 Nuisances in connection with water-courses, ditches, ponds, &c.
- 260 Power of parish council, or local authority, to deal with ponds, ditches, &c.
- 261 Provision for obtaining order for cleansing offensive ditches lying near to, or forming, boundary of district.
- 262 Power of local authority to require culverting of watercourses and ditches where building operations in prospect.
- 263 Watercourses in urban district not to be culverted except in accordance with approved plans.
- 264 Urban authority may require repair and cleansing of culverts.
- 265 Power of local authority to defray cost of, or execute, works relating to watercourses.
- 266 †Saving for land drainage authorities, the London County Council, railway companies and dock undertakers.
- 267 Application to ships and boats of certain provisions of Act.
- 268 Nuisances arising from, and byelaws and other matters relating to, tents, vans, &c.
- 269 Power of local authority to control use of moveable dwellings.
- 270 Byelaws as to hop-pickers and persons engaged in similar work.
- 271 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 274 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 275 Power of local authority to execute certain work on behalf of owners or occupiers.
- 276 Power of local authority to sell certain materials.
- 277 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 278 Compensation to individuals for damage resulting from exercise of powers under Act.
- 279 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 282 Application of 38 & 39 Vict. c. 55 s. 153.
- 283 Notices to be in writing; forms of notices, &c.
- 284 Authentication of documents.
- 285 Service of notices, &c.
- 286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 287 Power to enter premises.
- 288 Penalty for obstructing execution of Act.
- 289 Power to require occupier to permit works to be executed by owner.
- 290 Provisions as to appeals against, and the enforcement of, notices requiring execution of works.
- 291 Certain expenses recoverable from owners to be a charge on the premises: power to order payment by instalments.
- 292 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 293 Recovery of expenses, &c.
- 294 Limitation of liability of certain owners.
- 295 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 296 Summary proceedings for offences.
- 297 Continuing offences and penalties.
- 298 Restriction on right to prosecute.
- 299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 300 Appeals and applications to courts of summary jurisdiction.
- 301 Appeals to quarter sessions against decisions of justices.
- 302 Effect of decision of court upon an appeal.
- 303 Mode of reference to arbitration.
- 304 Judges and justices not to be disqualified by liability to rates.
- 305 Protection of members and officers of certain local authorities from personal liability
- 306 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 308 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 309 Expenses of joint boards.
- 310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 311 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 316 Adaptation, where necessary, of provisional order procedure.
- 317 Amendment of 38 & 39 Vict. c. 55. s. 303.
- 318 Local inquiries.
- 319 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 322 Power of Minister to enforce exercise of powers by local authorities, &c., in default.
- 323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 324 Provisions as to exercise by Minister of functions of body in default.
- 325 Power to vary and revoke orders relating to defaults.
- 326 Provisions as to the transfer and compensation of officers and superannuation rights of transferred officers.
- 327 Provisions for compensation in certain cases to officers of trustees, &c. executing local Acts.
- 328 Powers of Act to be cumulative.
- 329 †Saving for certain provisions of the Land Charges Act, 1925.
- 330 Power of railway companies, dock undertakers and land drainage authorities to alter sewers, &c. vested in a local authority.
- 331 Works affecting water rights.
- 332 Arbitration as to alteration of sewers, &c., or injurious affection of water rights.
- 333 Protection for works of dock undertakers and for railways.
- 334 Protection for works of land drainage authorities, &c.
- 335 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 337 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 338 Sewers or drains of collegiate and other corporate bodies and Government departments.
- 339 Saving for existing rights of drainage.
- 340 Works below high-water mark.
- 341 Power to apply provisions of Act to Crown property.
- 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 343 Interpretation.
- 344 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- 346 Repeals.
- 347 †Short title, date of commencement and extent.
- FIRST SCHEDULE
- SECOND SCHEDULE
- THIRD SCHEDULE
Proposed changes to this act
No one has proposed a change to this act yet.
207 provisions
179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change198 Provision of mortuaries and post-mortem rooms.
(1) A local authority or a parish council may, and if required by the Minister shall, provide— (a) a mortuary for the reception of dead bodies before interment; (b) a post-mortem room for the reception of dead bodies during the time required to conduct any post-mortem examination ordered by a coroner or other duly authorised authority; and may make byelaws with respect to the management, and charges for the use, of any such place provided by them. (2) A local authority or parish council may provide for the interment of any dead body which may be received into their mortuary.
Propose a change199 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change204 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change205 Women not to be employed in factories . . . within four weeks after birth of a child.
If the occupier of a factory . . . knowingly allows a woman to be employed therein within four weeks after she has given birth to a child, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale. ...
Propose a change206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change221 Power of local authority to provide baths, bathing places and washhouses.
A local authority may provide— (a) public baths and washhouses, either open or covered, and with or without drying grounds; (b) . . . or any of those conveniences.
Propose a change222 Charges for use of baths, &c.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a local authority may make such charges for the use of, or for admission to, any baths, or washhouse under their management as they think fit. (2) One month at least before fixing any charges to be made under this section, the local authority shall publish by advertisement in a local newspaper circulating in their district a notice stating their intention to consider a proposed table of charges and naming a place where a copy of the proposed table may be inspected at all reasonable hours by any person free of charge.
Propose a change223 Byelaws for regulation of baths, &c.
(1) A local authority may make byelaws for the regulation of any baths, washhouses, swimming baths and bathing places under their management, and for the regulation of persons resorting thereto, including the exclusion therefrom of undesirable persons. Any such byelaws may, in addition to providing for the imposition of penalties, empower any officer of the local authority to exclude or remove from any baths, washhouse, swimming bath or bathing place under the management of the authority any person contravening any of the byelaws applicable to the premises in question. (2) A printed copy, or abstract, of the byelaws relating to any baths, washhouse, swimming bath or bathing place shall be exhibited in a conspicuous place therein.
Propose a change224 Baths, &c., to be public places for certain purposes.
Any baths, washhouse, swimming bath or bathing place under the management of a local authority shall be deemed to be a public and open place for the purposes of any enactment relating to offences against decency.
Propose a change225 Use of baths and bathing places for swimming contests, &c., or by schools or clubs.
(1) A local authority may close temporarily to the public any swimming bath or bathing place under their management and may— (a) grant, either gratuitously or for payment, the exclusive use thereof to a school or club, or to persons organising swimming practices or contests, aquatic sports or similar entertainments; or, (b) themselves use it for such practices, contests, sports or entertainments. (2) The authority may make, or authorise the making of, charges for admission to, or for the use of, any swimming bath or bathing place while it is closed to the public under this section.
Propose a change226 Closing of baths and bathing places during winter months, and use for other purposes.
(1) A local authority may, during any period between the first day of October and the last day of the following April, close any swimming bath or bathing place under their management, and may, at any time when it is closed, use it, or allow it to be used, or let it, for such purposes, and upon such conditions, as they think fit, and may adapt it for the purpose of being so used or let: . . . (2) The power of the local authority to make byelaws under the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act shall extend to the making of byelaws with respect to a swimming bath or bathing place when used for any purpose authorised by this section. (3) Nothing in this section shall authorise the use of a swimming bath or bathing place for the provision of regulated entertainment (within the meaning of the Licensing Act 2003), unless that activity is carried on under and in accordance with an authorisation (within the meaning given in section 136 of that Act). (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change227 Power of local authority to lay pipes for purposes connected with baths, &c.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , a local authority may provide, lay down and maintain such pipes and apparatus as may be necessary for conducting water to or from any baths, washhouse, swimming bath or bathing place which is under their management, or which they propose to provide and for the purposes of the provision, laying down or maintenance in any street of any such pipes or apparatus— (a) the authority shall be entitled in relation to any such pipes or apparatus to exercise the same powers as, for the purpose of carrying out its functions, are conferred on a water undertaker in relation to relevant pipes by section 158 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (street works); and (b) the provisions of that Act shall apply, with the necessary modifications, in relation to the power conferred by virtue of paragraph (a) above as they apply in relation to the power conferred by the said section 158; and in this section “street” has the same meaning as in that Act.
Propose a change228 Power of trustees to sell existing baths, &c., to local authority.
The trustees of any public baths, washhouse, swimming bath or bathing place may, with the consent of the committee of management, if any, sell or lease the baths, washhouse, swimming baths or bathing place to a local authority.
Propose a change229 Power of statutory undertakers to supply water, gas or electricity to baths, &c., on favourable terms.
Any statutory undertakers supplying water, . . . or electricity may supply water, . . . or electricity to any public baths, washhouse, swimming bath or bathing place, either without charge or on such other favourable terms as they think fit.
Propose a change230
(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change231 Byelaws with respect to public bathing.
(1) A local authority may make byelaws with respect to public bathing, and may by such byelaws— (a) regulate the areas in which, and the hours during which, public bathing shall be permitted; (aa) prohibit or restrict public bathing at times when and places as respects which warning is given, by the display of flags or by other means specified in the byelaws, that bathing is dangerous. (b) fix the places at which bathing-machines may be stationed, or bathing huts or tents may be erected; (c) regulate the manner in which bathing-machines, huts or tents may be used, and the charges which may be made for the use thereof; (d) regulate, so far as decency requires, the costumes to be worn by bathers; (e) require persons providing accommodation for bathing to provide and maintain life-saving appliances, or other means of protecting bathers from danger; and (f) regulate, for preventing danger to bathers, the navigation of vessels used for pleasure purposes within any area allotted for public bathing during the hours allowed for bathing. (2) If and so far as a byelaw made under the preceding subsection is inconsistent with a byelaw made by dock undertakers, the latter shall prevail.
Propose a change232 Provision of bathing huts, &c.
A local authority may provide huts or other conveniences for bathing on any land belonging to them or under their control, and may make charges for the use thereof.
Propose a change233 Byelaws with respect to swimming baths and bathing pools not under the management of a local authority.
(1) A local authority may make byelaws with respect to swimming baths and bathing pools, whether open or covered, which are not under their management for— (a) securing the purity of the water therein; (b) ensuring the adequacy and cleanliness of the accommodation thereat; (c) regulating the conduct of persons resorting thereto; and (d) the prevention of accidents: Provided that this section shall not apply to any swimming bath or bathing pool which is not open to the public and for, or in connection with, the use of which no charge is made. (2) Byelaws made under this section may require the person responsible for any swimming bath or bathing pool to which the byelaws apply to keep a printed copy of the byelaws exhibited in a conspicuous place on the premises.
Propose a change234 Provision of life-saving appliances.
A local authority may provide life-saving appliances at such places, whether places used for bathing or not, as they think fit.
Propose a change235 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change249
(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propose a change