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33
It was apparent from the outset that difficulties in the implementation
of the new powers would be experienced; not the least being
the public health inspectors' staff shortages, which at the end of the
year was three below establishment.
It was decided that the first phase of assessing the potential
of the new Act should be the inspection of a few properties in various
parts of the Borough as "samples" of what might be expected in
that particular district. Seventeen such houses were considered,
each on its individual merit in relation to the practical application
of all available legislation that could be used to improve conditions
and ensure a reasonable standard of living for the occupants.
As an initial step the owners were approached informally and
acquainted of the matters needing attention. The results were
reasonably encouraging, as in seven cases satisfactory proposals
were made and accepted; four houses were being sold and negotiations
were still proceeding with the new owners; and in the case of
another four, discussions with the owners preceded informal action
which would be pursued if necessary. With regard to the two
remaining properties, it was thought that formal action might be
indicated, and it was suggested that an estimate of the costs of the
work should be obtained and considered in relation to the net
income the owners were deriving from the house lettings. It was
not intended that this should be the usual practice but as the two
houses in question were in an area containing some 700 others,
similar in structure and design, the information would be of value
not only in respect of these houses but also would provide useful
information for the future.
The second phase of the work commenced towards the end of
the year and will be covered in detail in my 1963 report. It consists
of a house to house survey in the north of the Borough starting in
Portnall Road. This area was selected as it contained a large
number of houses multiply occupied, similar in age and character,
and with an anticipated lengthy "life" as sound and useful
dwellings. It became clear that one Inspector would have to be
detailed to carry out this specialised work in the interests of consistency,
and although this has been done it has caused an area in
the south of the Borough to be depleted by one District Inspector.
With the object of obtaining a measure of uniformity in London
in the application of the new powers contained in Section 15 of the
Act, the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee recommended
the adoption of the standards suggested in the Joint Report
of the Advisory Body of Town Clerks and Medical Officers of Health
and these standards were accepted by Paddington in October as a
Code of Practice. Parliamentary expression and official memoranda
emphasised that there should be flexibility in the requirements of the
local authority and where special circumstances justify a modification
of the Standards this should be accepted and each individual
case dealt with on its merits.
Where action is taken by this department a concurrent
investigation is arranged by the Director of Housing to see that the
requirements of Section 16 (Means of Escape in Case of Fire) are
fulfilled. The close co-operation between inspecting officers and
liaison with the London County Council where applicable is
essential.