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
Islington 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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57
The problem of houses in multiple occupation has caused the Department no
little concern, particularly when properties are let out in furnished rooms with
little regard to any overcrowding which may occur or the great inconvenience to
the tenants caused by lack of amenities. Where possible the Department has sought
to deal with this type of property on an informal basis because a Notice served
under Section 36 of the Housing Act, 1956 whilst requiring work to be done, also
allows, in default of executing the specified works, the person having control
to secure a reduction in the number of individuals or households in lieu thereof.
Many of such families are in desperate need of accommodation and the service of a
Notice is not always a satisfactory solution to the problem.
Two Certificates to the effect that the several tenements were so constructed
and arranged as to secure effective ventilation of the habitable rooms in every
tenement were issued during the year under Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1957, in
respect of 15 flats in Block "A" and 15 flats in Block "D" of the Peabody
Estate, Greenman Street.
Prosecutions
Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1934 Section 11 (3).
Continuing Offence.
| Date | Address | Magistrate's Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 28. 1. 58. | 216/218, York Way | Fined 1196. Defendant to pay £10. 10s. Od. costs. Defendant given 14 days in which to pay otherwise imprisonment for two months. |
Rehousing.
Dwellings erected by this Council during year 352
Dwellings in course of erection by this Council 301
Enquiries from London County Council regarding Housing applications 46
Enquiries from other sources regarding Housing applications 164
Families rehoused by Islington Borough Council from Clearance Areas 8
Families rehoused by Islington Borough Council as a result of
Closing Orders or Demolition Orders 212
Overcrowded families rehoused by Islington Borough Council 248
Overcrowded families rehoused by London County Council after
certification by Medical Officer of Health 14
Families rehoused by Islington Borough Council from redevelopment
sites 19
Families rehoused by London County Council from redevelopment sites 52
Families rehoused by London County Council from Slum Clearance
Areas 162
Families rehoused by London County Council from open spaces 15
Housing Act, 1937
Housing Consolidated Regulations 1923/32
Section 9 (Repair of insanitary houses)
Preliminary inspections of houses 110
Surveys of houses 31
Houses represented 1
Houses rendered fit after service of Notices -