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
Kensington and Chelsea 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
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75
During 1967 formal notices were served in three cases requiring
compliance with these Byelaws.
CERTIFICATES OF DISREPAIR IN RELATION TO DWELLING HOUSES
The Council's duty to issue certificates of disrepair in respect
of "rent controlled" dwelling houses, not reasonably suitable for
occupation is governed by the Rent Act, 1957. The following is a
summary of the action taken during 1967:-
Part I - Applications for Certificates of Disrepair
| Number of applications for certificates | 2 |
| Number of decisions not to issue certificates | Nil |
| Number of decisions to issue certificates - | |
| (a) in respect of some but not all defects | 2 |
| (b) in respect of all defects | Nil |
| Number of undertakings given by landlords | 1 |
| Number of undertakings refused by Council | Nil |
| Number of certificates issued | 1 |
| Part II - Applications for Cancellation of Certificates | Nil |
OVERCROWDING
All cases of overcrowding are dealt with on the strict interpretation
of the standards laid down in the Housing Act, 1957, distinguishing
between "penal" and "non-penal".
The number of new cases of overcrowding reported to the Housing
Committee during 1967 was 106 (37 penal and 69 non-penal), giving an
equivalent number of persons of 447½.The total number of overcrowding cases recorded during the year as having been abated was
121, comprising a total of 5l5½units.
Since October, 1945 2,681 cases have been reported, and the
number of cases remaining on the register at the end of this year was
290 (35 penal and 255 non-penal).
ASSESSMENT OF HOUSING PRIORITIES ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
During the year, 244 applications for rehousing on medical grounds
were examined, and recommendations for the award of additional points
were made to the Chief Housing Officer. In each case, the precise
medical condition and resultant disability were determined (frequently
necessitating communication with the family doctor or with the
hospital attended). The premises were inspected in detail to
ascertain the extent and nature of the existing accommodation; the
adequacy of day and sleeping space; sanitary and structural defects;
and the existence of inconveniences, such as stairs, which might be
prejudicial to the patient.
On this information and that supplied by the Chief Housing Officer
an assessment of points to be awarded on medical grounds was made in
236 cases.
FACTORIES
Section 153(1) of the Factories Act, 1961, requires the Medical
Officer of Health to make an annual report in regard to the Council's
functions under the Act. The following tables give the prescribed
particulars in the form requested by the Ministry of Health in
Circular No. 1/68:-