The Role and Impact of the Local Government Board (1871-1919)

Local Government Board

Established in 1871 to oversee poor relief.

Poor Law Amendment Act

Legislation aimed at reforming poor relief systems.

Earl Stanhope

Prominent opponent of the Poor Law Amendment Act.

John Fielden

Advocate for reforming the Poor Law system.

William Cobbett

Critic of the Poor Law Amendment Act.

Richard Oastler

Campaigner against the Poor Law system.

Forster's Education Act

Legislation passed in 1870 for public education.

Creation of the Poor Law Board

Established in 1847 to manage poor relief.

Union Chargeability Act

Introduced in 1865 for managing poor relief costs.

Creation of Pauper hospitals

Established in 1866 for treating the poor.

Poor Law School's Act

Passed in 1848 to educate poor children.

Local Government Board Act

Created LGB to consolidate local government responsibilities.

Delegated legislation

LGB empowered to enforce various statutes.

Inspection and regulation

LGB could inspect local authorities for compliance.

Provisional orders

LGB had quasi-judicial powers for binding decisions.

Auditing and accountability

LGB published annual financial summaries of authorities.

Membership of the Board

Led by a president, often a cabinet minister.

Ex officio members

Included high-ranking officials without salary.

Parliamentary Secretary

Assisted the president in board operations.

Permanent secretary

Civil servant managing practical LGB work.

Public health responsibilities

Included sanitation and housing oversight.

Disease and nuisance removal

LGB responsible for addressing public health issues.

Local government administration

Oversaw local governance and administration tasks.

Impact of 1867 Reform Act

Increased local authority power and democratic elections.