The Act empowered local authorities across the country to incur expenditure in constructing public swimming baths out of its own funds .
After a period of campaigning by many committees , the Public Baths and Wash - houses Act received royal assent on 26 August 1846 .
The Wash - houses Act empowered local authorities across the country to incur expenditure in constructing public swimming baths out of Wash - houses Act 's own funds .
After a period of campaigning by many committees , the Public Baths and Wash - houses Act received royal assent on 26 August 1846 .