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Sanitary Administration
Much of the routine work of your Sanitary Inspectors, more or less
totally interrupted by the war and subsequently slowed down by its
aftermath of controls, licences and, in particular, housing problems, has,
in some respects, reverted to more normal conditions. For example,
the Council have always taken the keenest interest in the subject of
Food Hygiene and this year it has been possible to commence a systematic
inspection of the food premises throughout the Borough. This has
resulted in substantial hygienic improvements being effected, generally
speaking, with the utmost co-operation from the food traders themselves.
With regard to Housing conditions, for the first time since 1937, a
modified form of house-to-house survey has been made. Despite present
difficulties, particularly the very high cost of building repairs in relation
to controlled rents and the many aged, lease-expired premises in the
Borough, the repairs section of the Housing Act, Section 9, has been
utilised to an increasing extent. Much of the delay in complying with
Sanitary Notices is due to the prolonged negotiations between property
owners and the War Damage Commission regarding war damage claims.
Owners are naturally reluctant to commence works without the authorisation
of the Commission and although, strictly speaking, these claims
have nothing whatever to do with the Council, we have successfully
communicated with the Commission in many urgent instances, thus
expediting the completion of the necessary works.
The following important public health functions are the responsibility
of the Local Authority and receive the close attention of your SanitaryInspectors
:—
General.
Disinfestation.
Drainage.