London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Greenwich 1950

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough.

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54
abatement of the nuisance. The premises are re-inspected by the
Sanitary Inspector and, if work required is not executed within a
reasonable period, Statutory Notice is served. In cases of noncompliance the Town Clerk is instructed to institute proceedings.
(2) Sanitary defects due to depreciation of property.—Depreciation of property usually occurs as a result of the owners' inability to
carry out repairs during the war period. A Notice is served on
the owner by the Sanitary Inspector, and where expenditure exceeds
£100 it is necessary for a licence to be obtained before the work is
allowed to proceed.
(3) Housing defects.—These are caues where the conditions
are such that they cannot be remedied under the procedure of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, and are dealt with under the
Housing Act, 1930, as being houses unfit for human habitation.
Representations are made to the Public Health Committee to
consider as to whether such houses can be repaired at a reasonable
cost having regard to the value of the premises, or whether Closing
and Demolition Orders should be made.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—The L.C.C. Bye-laws made under
Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1936, define a house let in lodgings
as one which is occupied, or is of a type suitable for occupation, by
persons of the working classes and let in lodgings or occupied by
members of more than one family. These dwellings are subject
to registration and must comply with certain requirements as to
sanitation, cleanliness, etc.
The number of houses on the Register at the end of the year
was 6; these have been visited by the Lady Sanitary Inspector
on 25 occasions.
Rent and Mortage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920/39.—
Under the provisions of these Acts landlords are permitted to make
certain increases of rent, and tenants whose houses are not in all
respects reasonably fit for human habitation may apply to the
Sanitary Authority for a certificate to this effect enabling them to
suspend the payment of increased rent until the necessary works
shall have been completed to the satisfaction of the Sanitary
Authority.
During the year 3 applications for certificates were received
and one was duly granted, the applications in respect of the remaining
two cases subsequently being withdrawn.
Landlords may also apply to the Sanitary Authority for a
report to the effect that necessary works have been executed to the
satisfaction of the Council. Three applications were received and