The Nuisances Removal and Diseases Prevention Act 1846

The 1846 Nuisances Removal and Diseases Prevention Act was designed as temporary legislation to help to stem the spread of cholera. The Act set out procedures for the removal of 'nuisances' and increased the powers of the Privy Council to make regulations for the prevention of infectious disease.

In parallel, the Sewerage and Drainage of Liverpool Act, passed in 1846, allowed for a medical officer of health to be appointed to inspect and report on the sanitary state of the area and point out 'nuisances' that might contribute to disease.

Later developments

The Act was updated in 1848, alongside the introduction of the Public Health Act. The Nuisances Removal and Diseases Prevention Act 1848 made provisions regarding nuisances and the prevention of epidemic diseases in places where the Public Health Act was not in force.