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B. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
THE STAFF
The establishment of Inspectors consists of a Chief Public Health Inspector, Principal Public Health
Inspector, 1 Divisional Public Health Inspector, 8 Senior Inspectors, 2 specialist and 2 Area Inspectors, 14
District Inspectors, 8 Student Inspectors and 4 Technical Assistants.
There was a considerable shortage of staff in post throughout the year related directly to the fact that more
and more local authorities outside London pay comparable salaries with better and more congenial working
conditions and without the wear and tear associated with commuting.
There would appear to be little likelihood of the situation improving until the salary differential which
previously existed between London and the provinces is restored. Meanwhile, the staffing difficulties make it
extremely difficult to maintain the desired standard of service.
NEW LEGISLATION
The Housing Finance Act, 1972 altered the Qualification Certificate procedure to enable landlords to
obtain a Qualification Certificate providing the qualifying conditions were met, irrespective of when
additional amenities had been provided. The appeal provisions where a tenant was unwilling to accept
improvements were changed so that the Court should no longer take into account the means or resources of
the tenant but should consider in particular any disadvantages to the tenant resulting from the works, what
accommodation is available to the tenant while the works are carried out and the age and health of the tenant.
The removal of consideration of means or resources of the tenant relates to the other financial provisions of
the Act with regard to rent rebates and rent allowances whereby tenants of limited means are able to obtain
assistance in the payment of a fair rent.
Other provisions in the Act relating to general decontrol of controlled tenancies over a period up to 1st July
1975 will result in the abolition of rents which are too low to give the landlord the ability to maintain his
property in a reasonable condition. The general decontrol provision has also had a bearing on the number of
applications for Qualification Certificates received during the latter part of the year.
HOUSING
Preferential Rehousing on Medical Grounds
During the year 1477 applications for rehousing on medical grounds were referred to the Housing Manager
for assessment, but in only 27 cases were the applicants actually rehoused.

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