London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Holborn 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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Housing Acts, 1936 and 1949. The following is a summary of action under the above Acts during the year 1949:—
| Slum Clearance. | |
|---|---|
| Houses included in clearance areas | Nil |
| „ „ „ „ „ and demolished | Nil |
| „ repaired as a result of action under Secs. 9 and 10 | Nil |
| „ made the subject of demolition orders | Nil |
| „ demolished as a result of demolition orders | Nil |
| Parts of buildings made the subject of closing orders | 1 |
| „ „ closed by undertaking | 4 |
| Underground rooms made the subject of closing orders | 22 |
| „ closed by undertaking | Nil |
| Closing orders determined | Nil |
| No. of flats erected by the Council during the year | 112 |
| Note: The number of underground rooms which do not comply with the relevant Regulations, but which are occupied for human habitation, is 501. | |
| Number in Borough | 311 |
| Inspections made | 417 |
| Notices served | 23 |
| Complaints remedied under the Bye-Laws | 30 |
Overcrowding.
On the 1st January, 1949, 198 families were known to be living in overcrowded
conditions. During the year a further 58 families were found to be living in overcrowded
conditions. In 57 cases, overcrowding was abated during the year as follows: —
Families rehoused by the Holborn Borough Council 14
Families rehoused by the London County Council 13
Accommodation found by other means 23
Size of family decreased by death or otherwise 7
During the year 189 visits were made by the Sanitary Inspectors in connection with
conditions of overcrowding.
In cases where overcrowding is abated, a warning letter is sent to the owner of the
premises drawing attention to the relevant provisions of the Housing Act, 1936.
The Housing Act, 1949.
This Act, which came into operation on the 30th July, 1949. deletes the term
" working classes " from many of the sections of the Housing Act, 1936.
Included among the main provisions are Exchequer assistance for the improvement
of housing accommodation either by local authorities or private owners; local authorities
are empowered to provide, in return for payment, meals and refreshments; and laundry
services; and to sell furniture to tenants on their housing estates. Power is given to
local authorities to provide hostels for all age groups, including students and aged persons,
to meet the needs of applicants who require accommodation otherwise than in a separate
home.