London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Barking 1959

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]

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A visit by a Public Health Inspector was made to the
houses of 22 occupiers asking for "G" forms, to offer advice
on their completion.
Revisits are made after application for cancellation has
been received from the owner.
IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
Housing Acts 1949/1957
It was to be expected that the rent increases allowed
under the Rent Act 1957, together with the grants in aid for
the improvement of sub-standard houses would have
prevented the further deterioration of such houses. Although
the Council continues to make grants, the applications
received are from owner occupiers.
Grants for the improvement of housing accommodation
were approved in respect of six applications, the cost of the
work amounting in the aggregate to £1,702. 2. 6d.
Improvement Grants amounting to £976. 8. 9d were
granted.
The conclusion to be drawn from our experience in
Barking is that owners of rented houses are unwilling to
sink further money in the property unless by compulsion, or
when vacant possession offers an opportunity for sale.
HOUSE PURCHASE AND HOUSING ACT, 1959
On July 1st 1959 the House Purchase and Housing Act
1959 came into force.
Previously the payment of grants had been at the will
of the local authority. The new Act provided that where a
house has a minimum "life" of 15 years, a grant shall be
Paid equal to half the cost of certain standard amenities,
subject to a maximum grant of £155. This new type of grant
is known as a Standard Grant.
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