View report page

35
(b) Circular 5/62 dealing with fuel storage in new Local Authority housing and
(c) Circular 60/62 in which the Minister requests Authorities to consider whether
the making of Smoke Control Orders could not be expedited and urging
Authorities to get on with this work in order that the present programme may
be completed without undue delay
Towards the end of 1962, the severe cold snap began to cause hardships which
continued well into 1963. The conditions which arose due to frozen water services could
in many cases have been obviated had the public taken quite simple precautions in
protecting the domestic supply. Much of the inconvenience caused was due to the service
pipes being inadequately protected and the fact that water closets were situated outside
Tenants should be aware of the position of the stop-cock and ensure that it is in
working order. Taps should not be allowed to drip and a little salt placed in the water
closet and gully traps would have prevented the water content from freezing
Problems connected with some groups of immigrants continue to be brought to the
notice of the Department. Difficulties may be experienced in getting the powers and
duties regarding overcrowding and nuisance abatement to be understood There is a
tendency for work to be carried out without Notice of intention being given where plans
are required and prior approval necessary. The Inspectors find drainage and other work
completed in contravention of the Byelaws and great difficulty may be experienced in
tracing the builder or person concerned in order to get the matter put right. Whilst
individual cleanliness is general, parts in common use such as the yard and sanitary
conveniences, need frequent supervision.
Many houses are let off in furnished rooms and the tenants who so often pay high
rents do not complain through fear of eviction or do not appreciate the Council's
powers to assist them. Inspectors are required to carry out an increasing number of
inspections after normal working hours, the tenants not being home during the day The
Statutory duties of the Inspector have to be performed with tact and persistence for
domiciliary inspections are often resented and in fact in some cases he meets with a
hostile reception.
In addition language difficulties occur, for immigrants cannot or will not
understand the English language and Inspectors are sometimes regarded with suspicion
Vacant sites, derelict property and static water tanks continue to be a source of
complaint but conditions were improved as far as possible in each case Continual
supervision is necessary to ensure that nuisances are kept to a minimum
Summary of Work done by District Public Health Inspectors
(i) Inspections
Houses/flats inspected under Public Health (London) Act, 1936 4,519
Separate lettings 10,183
Revisits Houses/flats 11455
Separate lettings 26,062