Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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grant, generally of a maximum of £155, provides for the installation
of five basic amenities, viz. :—
(1) a fixed bath or shower in a bathroom £25;
(2) a wash-hand basin £5;
(3) a water closet in or contiguous to the dwelling £40;
(4) a hot water supply £75; and,
(5) facilities for storing food £10.
However, subject to certain circumstances a higher maximum
of £350 can be allowed.
Applications submitted to the Borough Treasurer are referred
to this Department to ascertain that the proposed works satisfy
the specified requirements. In this connection the Housing
Inspectors carried out 231 and 27 inspections for 'discretionary'
and 'standard' grant applications respectively, and advice was given
on 149 occasions in respect of such grants. On completion of
'standard' grant works, a further 24 inspections were made.
Housing Act 1961.—Houses in Multiple Occupation.—In
connection with these types of properties, the general powers given
to the Council under the previous legislation, viz.: —
Natural Lighting
Ventilation
Water Supply
Drainage and Sanitary Conveniences
Facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food and
for the disposal of waste water
Prevention of overcrowding of sleeping rooms
were retained under Sections 36 and 90 of the 1957 Act. However,
powers enabling the Council to enforce standards under Section
36 proved to be inadequate and were repealed by Part II of
the Housing Act, 1961. Regulations were made subsequently by
the Minister under Section 13 of the new Act providing a management code for Councils to apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation.
Further, for the purpose of implementing the provisions of
Section 15 of the Housing Act, 1961, the Council, on the 14th
November, 1962, adopted the standards of provision of amenities,
as suggested in the joint report of the Advisory Bodies of Town
Clerks and Medical Officers of Health of Metropolitan Borough
Councils.
During the year 67 visits were made by the Housing Inspectors.
In no instance was it found necessary to serve notices requiring the
execution of works under this Act.