View report page

during the year. In addition, four payments were made in respect
of retirement pensioners who, although eligible for National
Assistance, had not applied for it.
MEANS OF IGNITION
The installation of integral gas ignition, which is efficient
and convenient, is normally eligible for grant. The Council has
given every encouragement to the installation of gas ignition as
the easiest means of lighting solid smokeless fuel. During the
year the Minister informed the Council that abnormally high costs,
in excess of £12. for an individual dwelling should not be incurred
in providing means of ignition. Apart from a slight decrease in
the ceiling figure, this did not conflict with the Council's policy.
A cost of over £12. has only very rarely been incurred by a resident
in a Smoke Control Area. The availability of three makes of
electric firelighter has proved to be most useful as an alternative
means of ignition for those residents who occupy properties which
are not carcased for gas.
FUEL SUPPLIES
The local supply of proprietary or "premium" smokeless fuels
has been maintained. There are several brands from which a choice
can be made. The Council continues to advise residents not to
place reliance upon any one of these fuels and insist upon the
delivery of only one brand. The supply of coke continues to be
plentiful throughout the area.
PUBLICITY
In the Circular previously referred to, the Minister states
that changes which local authorities may wish to make in their
methods of assessing the fuel requirements, etc. may render
unnecessary the preliminary visits by the Council's staff. Therefore,
it is of even greater importance to keep individual householders fully
informed and advised of the Council's activities. Quite apart from
the legal requirements as to publicity, the Council notifies residents
by individual letters of every stage of the formation of a Smoke
Control Area. Every effort is made to ensure that all householders
are acquainted with the various stages through which the Smoke Control
Order passes.
Arrangements were in hand towards the end of the year for the
customary Public Meeting to be held early in 1963 in connection with
-50-