Entry for Public Health Purposes

Public Health Act 1936, s.287

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: Yes

Authorises an authorised officer of a local authority to enter any premises at any reasonable hour for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is any contravention of the Act, or for the purpose of taking any action or carrying out any work authorised by the Act. This is one of the oldest and most broadly drawn public health entry powers, covering matters such as drainage, sanitation, vermin, and nuisances injurious to health.

Conditions

The officer must be authorised in writing by the local authority
Entry must be at a reasonable hour
24 hours' notice of intended entry must be given to the occupier
If admission is refused, a warrant may be obtained from a justice of the peace

Limitations

This is a local authority power: police officers do not directly exercise it but may assist
Wilful obstruction of an authorised officer is a criminal offence
The power is limited to purposes under the Public Health Act: it is not a general entry power

Last updated 24 September 2026