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Staff - Inspectorate
The establishment of Public Health Inspectors consists of a Chief Public Health Inspector,
Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector, nine Senior Inspectors, sixteen District Public Health
Inspectors and eight Student Inspectors. In addition four Technical Assistants are employed on
work of a routine nature. For the greater part of the year the establishment was up to the required
strength.
New Legislation
The Greater London Council (General Powers) Act, 1967, came into operation during the
year under review. In its application to public health this Act dealt with several points. Provision
was made for the registration of Hairdressers and Barbers. The Public Health Act, 1961, already
gives the Council power to make bylaws in respect of Hairdressers and Barbers, the new provision
of registration being considered an essential part of the control of this type of premises. The
Council is allowed to fix the appointed day from which registration is necessary and for this purpose
have named the 1st April, 1968, as being the appointed day.
The Council is also given powers to take emergency action to obtain the reinstatement of
a supply of water to premises where the supply has been cut off by the Metropolitan Water Board
because of a defect in the supply pipe or any water fitting. Another emergency power which has
been given to the Council by the Act is the shortened procedure for dealing with defective premises
found to be prejudicial to health, or a nuisance; and unreasonable delay in remedying the
defective state would be occasioned by following the procedure laid down by the Public Health
Act, 1936, for the abatement of a nuisance. These powers were already contained in the Public
Health Act, 1961, but did not apply to Inner London Boroughs. The new Act extends the powers
to Inner London Boroughs.
The Public Health Act, 1961, also allowed local authorities to clear a choked drain, private
sewer, water closet or soil pipe after the service of a 48-hour notice. The Council was empowered
to remit the payment of expenses where the costs did not exceed £2. The new Act increased the
amount which may be remitted to £5. Similarly the Public Health Act, 1961, allowed the Council
to require the repair of a drain following the service of a 7-day notice if the cost of the work did
not exceed £50. The new Act enables the Council to use these powers where the cost does not
exceed £100.
Housing
Preferential Rehousing on Medical Grounds
All applications for rehousing with a medical recommendation are considered by the Medical
Officer of Health who refers them to the Senior Medical Officer (Environmental) who grades them
in the following categories:-
(A†) That priority be given.
(A) That preferential consideration should be given on urgent medical grounds.
(B) That allocation of "Points" provided for in the Council's scheme should be made.
(C) That no special action is warrante d.
For the year ended 31st December, 1967, 831 cases were assessed as follows:-
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