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amend the method of providing financial support to the Family Planning Association by participating in
their National Family Planning Agency Scheme which provides for a standard per capita charge to be paid
by all local authorities for specified agency work. Several alternative applications of the scheme are
available according to the range of services required and the application selected for Islington retains the
restrictions referred to above on the provision of free supplies. The logical next step in the development of
family planning services is the removal of this restriction to provide a completely free and universally
available service and the case for this is all the stronger in the light of the Abortion Act.
Housing continued to be a major, if not the major issue confronting the Council and its various
departments; the health department, in particular the public health inspectorate, played a full role in
dealing with the various issues involved. In this the department worked closely with the development and
legal departments. In the autumn the Council approved a scheme for the registration of houses in multiple
occupation. Multiple occupation is a particular feature of housing in Islington and is likely to remain so for
the foreseeable future. The purpose of the registration scheme is to bring multiple occupation under control
and to raise the standard of amenities in multi-occupied houses to an acceptable level in relation to the
number of residents. The scheme will require substantial increases in staff and the approval of the Secretary
of State for the Environment and it is anticipated that it will come into operation in the second half of
1971.
The record of progress was not entirely unmarred by setbacks and it is pleasant to record that what
might have been a serious setback to the Council's Smoke Control policy in the event created no
difficulties. During the summer the Council, in common with other local authorities, was advised by the
then Ministry of Housing and Local Government that a shortage of solid smokeless fuels was likely to
develop during the winter and, reluctantly, in order to avoid hardships to residents, especially the
elderly. Smoke Control Orders, which had covered the entire borough since October 1969, were suspended
temporarily in an area including 40% of the population. Fortunately, doubtless due to the mild winter, no
shortage developed and the public, contrary to fears expressed by some, did not seize the opportunity to
burn smokey fuels.
I have already referred to the fact that I took up my duties in the middle of the year and this is
consequently my first annual report. It is a particular pleasure therefore to pay tribute to the Chairman and
Members of the then Health and Social Services Committee for their help and to the staff of the
department at all levels for their unstinted loyalty and support.
C. BURNS
Director of Public Health and
Medical Officer of Health
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