Local Government Board for Scotland facts for kids

The Local Government Board for Scotland was an important group that looked after how local areas were run in Scotland. From 1894 to 1919, they made sure public health was good, housing was safe, and help was given to people in need. They played a big part in improving life for many Scottish citizens.

What Was the Local Government Board for Scotland?

The Local Government Board for Scotland, often called the LGBS, was like a central office for many important things. It was in charge of overseeing local councils and their work. This included making sure towns and cities were well-managed.

The board also focused on public health. This meant looking after things like clean water and good sanitation. They wanted to keep people healthy and prevent diseases. Another key area was housing, making sure homes were safe and suitable. They also managed the "poor law," which was a system to help people who were struggling financially.

How the Board Started

The LGBS was created by a special law in 1894 called the Local Government (Scotland) Act. Before this, another group called the Board of Supervision handled help for the poor since 1845. The new LGBS took over all their duties and added more.

The board had a mix of members. Some were there because of their other important jobs. For example, the Secretary for Scotland, who was a top government official, was the president of the board. The Solicitor General for Scotland and the Under-Secretary for Scotland were also members. Other members were chosen for their skills. These included a vice-president, a lawyer, and a medical doctor. The doctor had to be an expert in public health or have worked as a medical officer for a county or town for at least five years. This mix of people helped the board make good decisions about different areas of life in Scotland.

Growing Responsibilities

Over time, the LGBS gained even more power. In 1897, a new law called the Public Health (Scotland) Act made the LGBS the main authority for public health in Scotland. This was a big step!

The board could now investigate the health conditions in any area. They could send their own inspectors to look around. Also, if a local council or ten local taxpayers asked, the board had to check things out. They could appoint special people to carry out these investigations. If someone refused to answer their questions or gave false information, they could face legal trouble.

The LGBS also got new duties related to crematoria. After 1902, any plans for a new crematorium, including its location, had to be approved by the board. This showed how much trust was placed in the LGBS to oversee important public services.

When the Board Ended

The Local Government Board for Scotland worked for 25 years. In 1919, it was officially closed down. Its responsibilities were then taken over by a new organization called the Scottish Board of Health. This new board continued the important work of looking after public health and welfare in Scotland.