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INTRODUCTION
I am pleased to report on the work of the Public Health Inspectors during
the period under review. Many factors, including change of office accommodation,
reduced establishment and the impact of additional duties and responsibilities
have necessarily had a frustrating effect on the staff and a prejudicial
effect on the output of the Division. However, in the main, progress has been
maintained and details of the work done are set out in the following pages.
There are, however, no grounds for complacency. Considerable problems
have to be faced in practically every aspect of the work.
In the field of Housing, whilst the number of unfit houses to be dealt
with is not excessive, progress is impeded by the conflicting claims of
"preservationists" whose interests still tend merely to delay action without
regard to those who are inadequately housed. The rate of clearance of unfit
houses must be increased.
Surveys of parts of the Borough, including those parts to be included in
Smoke Control Areas, have not revealed any suitable for Improvement under the
legislation prior to the 1969 Act. The coming into force of that Act has
emphasised the need for more urgent consideration to be given to the question of
Improvements generally and General Improvement Areas in particular. The
surveys must be extended and co-operation with other Officers interested in this
field strengthened.
The new legislation has, however, placed a further burden on the staff
available. Before the end of the period nearly 400 applications for
Qualification Certificates relating to controlled tenancies had been received.
Where houses have all the standard amenities and are in a good state of repair
a Certificate is issued to owners, enabling them to commence negotiations with
the Rent Officer for the determination of a fair rent. Inspections of the
houses in order that the Authority could be satisfied that the conditions had
been met were commenced, and in the majority of cases it will be necessary to
indicate to applicants works which will be required to bring the houses up to
the standard. Without increases in staff the impact of this function, as it
increases in momentum, must result in a reduced coverage of other important
routine functions, notably the inspection of food premises, shops, offices and
factories which necessarily suffer when more immediate matters have to be given
priority.
Other aspects of housing which will continue to call for supervision to
prevent nuisances and damage to the amenities are those of "gipsy" caravans
and houses in multiple occupation. During the period under review the former
policy of moving caravans has been relaxed and as a result the number of vans
is increasing. Every effort should be made to provide a permanent site with
supervision and adequate facilities, with a view to the integration of the van
dwellers and particularly the children into the community. The routine
inspections of houses in multiple occupation must be continuous and the standards
strictly enforced.
In the field of pest control difficulties have arisen from failure to
maintain an adequate staff in view of more attractive opportunities generally
available, and to recruit operatives suitable for these duties and capable of
working satisfactorily in the field with the minimum of supervision. Steps
are being taken to improve this position to enable rodent control to be maintained
and at the same time accommodate additional land pest control duties
which will pass from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to Local
Authorities shortly.
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