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27
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
SECTION C
(In conjunction with Mr. W. C. Bartlett. Chief Public Health Inspector)
During the year the Housing Act and the Rent Act, were placed on the Statute
Book. Both of these are important measures. In certain cases it is now possible
for landlords to increase rents. The Minister stated that the essence of the Rent
Act is to put on the Statute Book some practical means of stopping the deterioration
of millions of houses throughout the country. As far as this borough is concerned
the decrease since last year in the number of complaints received and the number
of prosecutions where owners have defaulted in complying with the requirements of
the Council is very noticeable. Against that, however, representations in regard to
unfit houses and parts of houses have increased considerably. It has been the
experience that owners are more willing to spend money on property to bring it up
to a satisfactory standard of fitness.
Pursuant to the Clean Air Act, 1956, two areas in the borough were the
subject of preliminary survey with a view to a subsequent establishment of Smoke
Control Areas. It is anticipated that both the areas concerned will be represented
to the Minister of Housing and Local Government and, upon approval in principle
being received, a detailed survey of the areas will proceed.
Consequent upon the implementation of the respective section of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, and the London County Council (General Powers)
Act, 1955, the work carried out by the Council in default, in respect of defective or
stopped drains and nuisances requiring urgent attention, has increased considerably
during the year.
The Council were represented at the Conference of the Royal Society of Health
by Councillor Field and the Medical Officer of Health, and at the Conference of
the Association of Public Health Inspectors by Councillor E. C. Gough and the
Chief Public Health Inspector.
The shortage of Public Health Inspectors still continues and it is with difficulty
that the department has endeavoured to carry out the numerous statutory duties
devolving upon it.
Summary of Work done by District Public Health Inspectors.
During the year 25,402 inspections or revisits were made by the District Public
Health Inspectors. In connection with visits to dwelling-houses, 30,068 inspections
or re-inspections of separate lettings were made.