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of pensionable age, this factor being the subject of main consideration
in the planning of new estates.
HOUSING PRIORITY ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
Certificates in support of applications for rehousing are
frequently received from General Practitioners or Hospital
Consultants. All such certificates are referred to the Medical
Officer of Health for an allocation of points under the Council's
scheme. There is however a limit to the number of points which
can be given on medical grounds—in the same way as there is
a limit for points given on other grounds—which are all taken
into consideration by the Housing Manager in allocating
priority. It sometimes occurs therefore that whilst in the opinion
of the applicant's doctor immediate re-housing should be offered
on medical grounds, this is not possible because a low allocation
of points for other aspects of the applicant's circumstances does
not give an overall priority.
Further investigations by the staff of the Department are
frequently required both to ensure that an appropriate points
allocation is made and to find if any other services are needed.
The number of medical certificates in support of rehousing
applications dealt with during the year was 448.
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
The problems associated with houses in multi-occupation
in this area are—by central London standards—infinitesimal.
The number of cases which came to light were mainly of the
"two family" variety and did not, therefore, involve the Council
with the complications of making management orders, directions
regarding overcrowding, control orders and the like under the
Housing Acts, 1961-1964. The usual practice following the
first inspection of premises in multiple occupation is to check
with the Town Planning Department that the occupation is legal
and that there has been no alteration in the use of the premises.
BUILDING CONTROL
Close liaison is maintained with the Borough Engineer and
Surveyor on the question of the submission of plans which fall
within the scope of our activities.
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