View report page

Section 111:
Number of visits to outworkers 514
Number of instances of work in unwholesome premises Nil
Number of notices served Nil
Number of prosecutions in respect of outworkers' premises Nil
The number of outworkers in the August List decreased by 75. This
does not mean that there are less outworkers in the district but indicates that
this type of work is seasonal. The actual number of seasonal outworkers is 250.
SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE AREA
In the built-up industrial area into which Barking has developed there is
variety of interest and many matters requiring the attention of your officers.
Foremost is the maintenance of a reasonable standard of fitness in
the homes of the residents. This will continue to remain difficult whilst
owners have to contend with the problem of higher repair costs and low rents.
There is, of course, the associated problem of the decayed and obsolescent
cottage below standard in its structural condition and amenities.
Barking has a substantial number of such dwellings remaining in
occupation notwithstanding the Council's pre-war clearance activities.
It is little satisfaction to tenants to say that amenities cannot be improved.
For this reason you are faced with the claims of some 700 families
applying for new accommodation although at present in occupation of a
house adequate in other respects.
The year under review has been progressive in connection with the
environmental health services and an attempt is made in this report to
focus attention on matters dealt with.
There were less complaints than in 1949, and the number dealt with
during the year was 1,996. These, together with routine inspections,
resulted in the service of 1,753 Preliminary Notices and 781 Statutory
Notices in respect of housing defects under the Public Health and
Housing Acts, 608 Preliminary Notices and 1 Statutory Notice under
other Acts, Bye Laws and Regulations.
At the end of the year there were 212 Statutory Notices outstanding.
During the year work had been completed on 919 Preliminary
Notices and 859 Statutory Notices issued under the Public Health and
Housing Acts, including 290 outstanding from the previous year. All
the Notices issued under other Acts and Bye Laws were completed in 1950.
The following statistical tables outline the work of the Sanitary
Inspectors in connection with their duties under the various Acts.
Page 52