Law

Public Health Act 1936

United Kingdom · statute

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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.

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Contents: 207 provisions
  1. Title and introductory text
  2. 1 Local authorities for purposes of Act.
  3. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  4. 6 Union of districts, or parts of districts, for certain purposes under joint board.
  5. 7 Restriction on discharge of functions by local authorities within united district.
  6. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  7. 9 General provisions as to orders constituting port health districts, united districts and joint boards.
  8. 10 Borrowing powers of port health authorities and joint boards.
  9. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  10. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  11. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  12. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  13. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  14. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  15. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  16. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  17. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  18. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  19. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  20. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  21. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  22. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  23. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  24. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  25. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  26. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  27. 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  28. 33 Application of 27 & 28 Vict. c. 114 to works for supply of sewage.
  29. 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  30. 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  31. 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  32. 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  33. 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  34. 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  35. 45 Buildings having defective closets capable of repair.
  36. 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  37. 48 Power of local authority to examine and test drains, &c., believed to be defective.
  38. 49 Rooms over closets of certain types, or over ashpits, &c., not to be used as living, sleeping or workrooms.
  39. 50 Overflowing and leaking cesspools.
  40. 51 Care of closets.
  41. 52 Care of sanitary conveniences used in common.
  42. 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  43. 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  44. 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  45. 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  46. 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  47. 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  48. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  49. 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  50. 78 Scavenging of common courts and passages.
  51. 79 [Power to require removal of noxious matter by occupier of premises in urban district.
  52. 80 [Power to require periodical removal of manure, &c. from stables, &c. in urban district.
  53. 81 Byelaws for the prevention of certain nuisances.
  54. 82 Byelaws as to removal through streets of offensive matter or liquid.
  55. 83 Cleansing of filthy or verminous premises.
  56. 84 Cleansing or destruction of filthy or verminous articles.
  57. 85 Cleansing of verminous persons and their clothing.
  58. 86 Provision of cleansing stations.
  59. 87 Provision of public conveniences in England .
  60. 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  61. 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  62. 90 Interpretation of Part II.
  63. 91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  64. 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  65. 107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  66. 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  67. 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  68. 124 Certain public pumps, wells, cisterns, &c. vested in local authority.
  69. 125 Power of parish council to utilise wells, springs or streams for obtaining water.
  70. 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  71. 137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  72. 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  73. 140 Power to close, or restrict use of water from, polluted source of supply.
  74. 141 Power to deal with insanitary cisterns, &c.
  75. 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  76. 143 Power of Minister to make regulations with a view to the treatment of certain diseases, and for preventing the spread of such diseases.
  77. 144 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  78. 147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  79. 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  80. 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  81. 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  82. 179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  83. 180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  84. 181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  85. 187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  86. 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  87. 192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  88. 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  89. 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  90. 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  91. 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  92. 198 Provision of mortuaries and post-mortem rooms.
  93. 199 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  94. 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  95. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  96. 204 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  97. 205 Women not to be employed in factories . . . within four weeks after birth of a child.
  98. 206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  99. 221 Power of local authority to provide baths, bathing places and washhouses.
  100. 222 Charges for use of baths, &c.
  101. 223 Byelaws for regulation of baths, &c.
  102. 224 Baths, &c., to be public places for certain purposes.
  103. 225 Use of baths and bathing places for swimming contests, &c., or by schools or clubs.
  104. 226 Closing of baths and bathing places during winter months, and use for other purposes.
  105. 227 Power of local authority to lay pipes for purposes connected with baths, &c.
  106. 228 Power of trustees to sell existing baths, &c., to local authority.
  107. 229 Power of statutory undertakers to supply water, gas or electricity to baths, &c., on favourable terms.
  108. 230
  109. 231 Byelaws with respect to public bathing.
  110. 232 Provision of bathing huts, &c.
  111. 233 Byelaws with respect to swimming baths and bathing pools not under the management of a local authority.
  112. 234 Provision of life-saving appliances.
  113. 235 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  114. 249
  115. 250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  116. 251 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  117. 252 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  118. 253 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  119. 257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  120. 258 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  121. 259 Nuisances in connection with water-courses, ditches, ponds, &c.
  122. 260 Power of parish council, or local authority, to deal with ponds, ditches, &c.
  123. 261 Provision for obtaining order for cleansing offensive ditches lying near to, or forming, boundary of district.
  124. 262 Power of local authority to require culverting of watercourses and ditches where building operations in prospect.
  125. 263 Watercourses in urban district not to be culverted except in accordance with approved plans.
  126. 264 Urban authority may require repair and cleansing of culverts.
  127. 265 Power of local authority to defray cost of, or execute, works relating to watercourses.
  128. 266 †Saving for land drainage authorities, the London County Council, railway companies and dock undertakers.
  129. 267 Application to ships and boats of certain provisions of Act.
  130. 268 Nuisances arising from, and byelaws and other matters relating to, tents, vans, &c.
  131. 269 Power of local authority to control use of moveable dwellings.
  132. 270 Byelaws as to hop-pickers and persons engaged in similar work.
  133. 271 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  134. 272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  135. 274 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  136. 275 Power of local authority to execute certain work on behalf of owners or occupiers.
  137. 276 Power of local authority to sell certain materials.
  138. 277 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  139. 278 Compensation to individuals for damage resulting from exercise of powers under Act.
  140. 279 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  141. 280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  142. 282 Application of 38 & 39 Vict. c. 55 s. 153.
  143. 283 Notices to be in writing; forms of notices, &c.
  144. 284 Authentication of documents.
  145. 285 Service of notices, &c.
  146. 286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  147. 287 Power to enter premises.
  148. 288 Penalty for obstructing execution of Act.
  149. 289 Power to require occupier to permit works to be executed by owner.
  150. 290 Provisions as to appeals against, and the enforcement of, notices requiring execution of works.
  151. 291 Certain expenses recoverable from owners to be a charge on the premises: power to order payment by instalments.
  152. 292 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  153. 293 Recovery of expenses, &c.
  154. 294 Limitation of liability of certain owners.
  155. 295 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  156. 296 Summary proceedings for offences.
  157. 297 Continuing offences and penalties.
  158. 298 Restriction on right to prosecute.
  159. 299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  160. 300 Appeals and applications to courts of summary jurisdiction.
  161. 301 Appeals to quarter sessions against decisions of justices.
  162. 302 Effect of decision of court upon an appeal.
  163. 303 Mode of reference to arbitration.
  164. 304 Judges and justices not to be disqualified by liability to rates.
  165. 305 Protection of members and officers of certain local authorities from personal liability
  166. 306 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  167. 307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  168. 308 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  169. 309 Expenses of joint boards.
  170. 310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  171. 311 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  172. 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  173. 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  174. 315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  175. 316 Adaptation, where necessary, of provisional order procedure.
  176. 317 Amendment of 38 & 39 Vict. c. 55. s. 303.
  177. 318 Local inquiries.
  178. 319 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  179. 320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  180. 322 Power of Minister to enforce exercise of powers by local authorities, &c., in default.
  181. 323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  182. 324 Provisions as to exercise by Minister of functions of body in default.
  183. 325 Power to vary and revoke orders relating to defaults.
  184. 326 Provisions as to the transfer and compensation of officers and superannuation rights of transferred officers.
  185. 327 Provisions for compensation in certain cases to officers of trustees, &c. executing local Acts.
  186. 328 Powers of Act to be cumulative.
  187. 329 †Saving for certain provisions of the Land Charges Act, 1925.
  188. 330 Power of railway companies, dock undertakers and land drainage authorities to alter sewers, &c. vested in a local authority.
  189. 331 Works affecting water rights.
  190. 332 Arbitration as to alteration of sewers, &c., or injurious affection of water rights.
  191. 333 Protection for works of dock undertakers and for railways.
  192. 334 Protection for works of land drainage authorities, &c.
  193. 335 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  194. 337 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  195. 338 Sewers or drains of collegiate and other corporate bodies and Government departments.
  196. 339 Saving for existing rights of drainage.
  197. 340 Works below high-water mark.
  198. 341 Power to apply provisions of Act to Crown property.
  199. 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  200. 343 Interpretation.
  201. 344 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  202. 345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  203. 346 Repeals.
  204. 347 †Short title, date of commencement and extent.
  205. FIRST SCHEDULE
  206. SECOND SCHEDULE
  207. THIRD SCHEDULE

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207 provisions

344 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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346 Repeals.

(1) . . . (a) save as expressly provided in this Act, nothing in this repeal shall affect any byelaw in force at the commencement of this Act, and, while such a byelaw continues in force by virtue of this proviso, any question as to its application or interpretation shall be determined as if this Act had not been passed; (b) nothing in this repeal shall affect the constitution of any authority, board or committee constituted for any district or area under any enactment repealed by this Act, and any such authority, board or committee shall continue to act for that district or area as if they and it had been constituted under the corresponding provisions of this Act; (c) in so far as any appointment, agreement, scheme, order, rule, regulation, byelaw, requirement, apportionment or representation made, or any resolution passed, or any notice, direction, consent, sanction, approval, exemption or certificate given under any enactment repealed by this Act, or any charge conferred by, or any conditions imposed, or any proceeding instituted, or any other thing done, under any such enactment, could have been made, passed, given, conferred, imposed, instituted or done under or by a corresponding provision of this Act, it shall not be invalidated by this repeal, but shall have effect as if it had been made, passed, given, conferred, imposed, instituted or done under or by that corresponding provision and, in the case of any legal proceeding, may be continued and appealed against as if this Act had not been passed; (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (e)(f) . . . (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) Any document referring to any Act or enactment repealed by this Act shall be construed as referring to this Act or to the corresponding enactment, if any, in this Act. (4) The mention of particular matters in this section shall not be held to prejudice or affect the general application of sections 16(1) and 17(2)(a) of the Interpretation Act 1978, with regard to the effect of repeals.

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347 †Short title, date of commencement and extent.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Public Health Act 1936, . . . (2) This Act shall not extend to Scotland nor, except as otherwise expressly provided, to Northern Ireland . . .

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