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
Holborn 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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Housing Acts, 1936-1954
The following is a summary of action under the above Acts during the year 1955. Slum Clearance
| Houses included in clearance areas | Nil |
| Houses included in clearance areas and demolished | Nil |
| Houses repaired as a result of action under Sees. 9 and 10 | Nil |
| Houses made the subject of demolition orders | Nil |
| Houses demolished as a result of demolition orders | Nil |
| Houses made the subject of closing orders | 1 |
| Parts of buildings made the subject of closing orders | Nil |
| Parts of buildings closed by undertaking | Nil |
| Underground rooms made the subject of closing orders | 6 |
| Underground rooms closed by undertaking | Nil |
| Closing orders determined | Nil |
| No. of flats erected by the Council during the year | 44 |
Note: The number of underground rooms which do not comply with the
relevant Regulations, but which are occupied for human habitation,
is 463.
Houses Let in Lodgings
| Number in Borough | 295 |
| Inspections made | 190 |
Overcrowding
On the 1st January, 1955, 137 families were known to be living in overcrowded
conditions. During the year a further 20 families were found to be living in overcrowded
conditions. In 12 cases, overcrowding was abated during the year as follows:—
Families rehoused by the Holborn Borough Council 3
Families rehoused by the London County Council 1
Accomodation found by other means 8
During the year 46 visits were made by the Sanitary Inspectors in connection with
conditions of overcrowding.
In cases where overcrowding is abated, a warning letter is sent to the owner of the
premises drawing attention to the relevant provisions of the Housing Act, 1936.