These scavengers were to be elected according to existing customs, and within 20 days rubbish collection rates (to be paid quarterly) were to be set by churchwardens and other leaders of the parish.

Under the act, "... from Michaelmas until our Lady day ..." (29 September – 25 March) from dusk to 9 p.m. every householder was required to place a candle or lantern outside "... his house next the street to enlighten the same for Passengers ...".

After the Great Fire of London in 1666, several acts to promote rebuilding vested the power of paving and sewer maintenance within the city solely in its Corporation.

Charles Sackville, 6th Earl of Dorset was one of the initial Commissioners,[7] as was the diarist John Evelyn, who described his fellows as "divers gentlemen of quality".

[18] The commissioners were empowered to appoint a treasurer and other officers, and had to report annual accounts to the Court of Exchequer during trinity term.