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 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
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Individual Unfit House and Parts of Houses (Cont'd)
| Action under Sections 16, 17 and 23 of the Housing Act, 1957 | |
| (a) demolition orders made | Nil |
| (b) houses demolished in pursuance of demolition orders | Nil |
| (c) closing orders made in lieu of demolition orders | Nil |
| (d) undertaking accepted from owners to render houses fit for habitation | Nil |
| (e) houses rendered fit for habitation by owners and closing orders determined | Nil |
Action under Section 18 of the Housing Act, 1957
| (a) closing orders made | 15 (27 rooms) |
| (b) closing ordeis determined | 8 (16 rooms) |
| (c) closing orders cancelled (premises demolished) | Nil |
| (d) consent given to use of closed rooms for non-sleeping purposes | 7 (12 rooms) |
| (e) undertakings accepted from owners to render part of building fit for habitation | 1(2 rooms) |
| (f) part of building rendered fit and undertaking cancelled | Nil |
Assessment of Housing Priorities on Medical Grounds
During the year, 238 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 informations and that supplied by the Chief Housing Officer
an assessment of points to be awarded on medical grounds was made in 205
cases.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Public Health Acts, 1936/1961 - Nuisances
During the year, fifty summonses were issued for various nuisances
under the Public Health Act, 1936/l961. In nineteen cases. Abatement
Orders were secured, fines totalling £179.00 and costs amounting to
£102.25 were obtained. In twenty three cases, the summonses were withdrawn
and in two cases the summonses were dismissed; the nuisances
having been abated prior to the.Court hearings. In three cases the
summonses were adjourned sine die, as the necessary works were being
carried out by the defendants; In the remaining three cases, one was
adjourned, one was dismissed and in the final case the Court made an
order for the nuisance to be remedied in four months.