impact of public health legislation in 19th 20th centuries

• What was the significance of the 1835 Municipal Corporations Act for Manchester?

  Manchester was incorporated under a single town council in 1838 due to this act.

  • Enabled a coordinated response to public health issues like those in Ancoats.
• What local actions were taken in Manchester to address housing problems?

  Banned back-to-back housing in 1844 (national ban came in 1909).

  • Made cellar dwellings illegal in 1853.
  • Forced landlords to convert back-to-back housing by 1867.
  • Began paving streets and installing proper sewers in the 1840s.
• What was the role of the Manchester Council in improving living conditions?

  Built new reservoirs like those in Longdendale.

  • Started municipal housing projects in the 1890s.
  • Formed the Unhealthy Dwellings Committee in 1885.
  • Tore down slum housing under the 1875 Artisan Dwellings Act.
• How did Manchester address public health concerns?

  Appointed a Medical Officer for Health in 1868.

  • Focus was on child mortality and respiratory problems attributed to coal burning.
  • Reluctant to build improved housing initially, but later began municipal housing projects.
• What national legislation influenced housing and public health in Manchester?

  The 1848 Public Health Act allowed the appointment of a Medical Officer for Health.

  • The 1875 Artisan Dwellings Act empowered the council to tear down slum housing.
  • The 1890 Housing Act granted powers to build municipal housing.
  • The 1919 Addison Act ordered the construction of social housing for the poor.
• How was the issue of air pollution addressed in Manchester?

  Early efforts by clean air campaigners in the 1820s.

  • Pressure on factory owners to reduce smoke.
  • The 1956 Clean Air Act and creation of smokeless zones finally solved the problem.