Local Government Board Act 1871

The Local Government Board Act 1871 established the Local Government Board, which took over the administration of the Poor Law (from the Poor Law Board) and the public health work of the medical department of the Privy Council. The board was to be presided over by a cabinet minister.

Its public health responsibilities now included disease prevention, vaccinations, birth, death and marriage registrations, making public improvements and the provision of baths and wash houses.