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
Stoke Newington 1950
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stoke Newington, The Metropolitan Borough]
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Housing Statistics for the year 1950
| \ 1. Inspection of Dwelling-houses during the year:— | |
| (1) (a) Total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects | 1,900 |
| (b) Number of Inspections made for the purpose | 7,517 |
| (2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under Sub-Head (1) above), which were inspected and recorded under the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 | 146 |
| (3) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation | 1 |
| (4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding sub-heading) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation | 96 |
| 2. Remedy of defects without service of Formal Notice— Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the Local Authority or their officers | 35 |
As indicated above, 35 houses were rendered reasonably fit in consequence
of informal action under the Housing Act, 1936, but it is
pointed out that, in addition, approximately 40 more houses were in
various stages of repair by owners following similar procedure.
It should be realised that this informal action resulting in some cases,
in extensive repairs, has been achieved principally by contact and discussion
with owners or their representatives, in spite of the present
economic situation.
In the case of only 6 properties was it necessary to resort to the
service of Statutory Notices under Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1936.
In 5 of the houses concerned work is now in progress.
One property was found to be in such a condition, by reason of
disrepair and sanitary defects, as to justify action under Section 11 of
the Housing Act, 1936. No objection to the making of a Demolition
Order was made by the owners or their agents. This property will be
demolished following the rehousing of the present tenants.
Six Closing Orders in respect of Underground Rooms were made
under Section 12 of the Housing Act, 1936, after rehousing of the tenants
or where such closure did not cause hardship or overcrowding of the
occupants. It will be appreciated that it is not desirable to make Closing
Orders in respect of parts of properties when it is improbable that the
tenants can be rehoused within a reasonable period.