Public Health Act 1858

The Public Health Act 1858 replaced the Public Health Act 1848 and abolished the General Board of Health in August 1858. 

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Local Government Act Office took on the responsibility for managing local boards of health.

The Privy Council took on the remaining responsibilities of the Board of Health. The council was also able to direct how funding allocated to vaccinations should be spent and was able to commission inquiries into any public health matter.

The Privy Council could appoint medical officers, who would annually report to the council on public health matters.