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14
Public Health Act, 1961
This Act received Royal Assent on the 3rd August, 1961 and became operative two
months later with the exception of the part relative to the making of building regulations
which are to replace local building byelaws.
Although a number of the provisions were previously operative locally under the
Tottenham Corporation and Middlesex County Council Acts, additional powers under the
1961 Act have strenthened the public health legislation.
These include
S.20 Proceedings may be taken if drainage or
sanitary appliance is improperly installed or
repaired.
S.31 & 33 Local authorities may reject plans for new
or converted dwellings if they do not provide
for food storage accommodation and a bathroom
with a fixed bath or shower and provision
for the supply of hot and cold water to the
bath.
S.27 & 34 Local authorities are empowered to take
action to deal with ruinous and dilapidated
buildings, neglected sites and accumulation
of rubbish where the conditions are seriously
detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood.
S.35 & 37 Strengthen the precisions relating to filthy
or veriminous premises or articles.
S.74 Local authorities may take steps to reduce
the numbers of pigeons, starlings or sparrows
in built-up areas.
Abatement of Statutory Nuisances
The number of complaints investigaged was a little higher than in 1960. Most of
these related to defective conditions in dwellings. The defects were remedied in the
majority of cases as a result of informal action but in 187 cases it was necessary to
serve abatement notices under the Public Health Act.
Summonses were issued in eight instances for non-compliance with the statutory
notices. In six of these the work was carried out before the hearing and proceedings
were withdrawn on payment of the Corporations costs. Orders were made in respect of
the remaining two cases.
Noise Nuisances
No formal action has been necessary when dealing with complaints of noise. In
each case the persons responsible were co operative and prepared to take steps to
mitigate the nuisance. The passing of the Noise Abatement Act, however, brought the
subject of noise nuisance to the notice of the general public and undoubtedly facilitated
the Council's approach to the person concerned.