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28.
The depositing of insanitary and other putrescible matter on vacant
sites and other places by unauthorized persons is a practice which is not
easily controlled. During the year many sites have been sprayed to prevent
the breeding of flies on putrescible matter, 201 articles being removed and
83 sites sprayed.
During the year circular letters were sent to every tenant of two
large blocks of flats in the Borough, inviting the co-operation of the
tenants in refraining from depositing refuse in other than the dust
receptacles, and a certain amount of improvement was effected by this method.
Disinfection of sandpits and public open spaces.
By arrangement with the Borough Surveyor sandpits in the children's
playgrounds in the Borough were disinfected with bleaching powder as a
precaution against the spread of infectious disease, particularly poliomyelitis.
HOUSING REPAIRS & RENTS ACT, 1954.
Work in connection with the above-named Act, which came into force last
year, has continued to be an added responsibility to the Department, particularly
regarding applications made on behalf of tenants for Certificates of
Disrepair. This work entails an added burden to the work of the Public
Health Department and owing to the shortages of sanitary inspectorate staff
the work in this connection has been taken over by the Chief Sanitary
Inspector and his Deputy.
Work in connection with applications for Certificates of Disrepair means
several visits to premises in order to make sure that the certificates are
accurate. When Certificates of Disrepair have been issued a considerable
amount of reinspection is necessary, with a final inspection where a
Certificate of Revocation has been asked for.
During the year 80 applications were made on behalf of tenants for
Certificates of Disrepair where notices of increase of rent had been served
by the owners. Of the 80 applications made, 76 were granted. In this
connection 51 Certificates of Revocation were granted.
The Chief Sanitary Inspector reports that the number of applications for
Certificates of Disrepair was not as great as expected. It was noticed that
applications for certificates were mainly concerned with the better type of
properties in the Borough, including flats. Evidence was gained that house
agents were advising their clients against the demand for increased rent in
the case of the poorer type of property. In such cases where Certificates of
Disrepair were issued and the work required by the landlord to bring the house
into a state of good repair was carried out, it was observed that the standard
of work was very good.
In connection with the above-named Act, it is a requirement that owners
shall provide certain particulars in the rent books. In many instances it was
found that the provisions of the Act were not being complied with, and in this
connection letters were sent to owners where the required information had not
been supplied to the tenant.