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We would, however, point out that the effect of our operations has been to
considerably reduce the number of "cutting off" notices issued, and that the
process of reduction will be continued as rapidly as circumstances permit.
We would suggest that if at any time the Local Authorities find that the
disconnection of a supply is likely to occasion the slightest danger to the public
health, they should direct their officials to communicate with the Board's officials,
who would promptly act in concert with them in order to obviate the possibility
of the danger referred to.
Dealing with the present procedure the facts are as follows:—
No supply is "cut off " for non payment of rates—
(a) Without an order of the Committee after a full inquiry into the
whole of the circumstances.
(b) Where the premises are known to be occupied by more than
one family.
(c) Where inability to pay by reason of real poverty is established.
(d) Where the owner and not the occupier is responsible by law or
agreement for the payment of the water rate.
We may add—
(1) That notice to "cut off" is sent to both the Clerk and the Medical
Officer of Health of the Local Authority concerned, instead of only to one
of those officers as formerly.
(2) That during the half-year ending Michaelmas, 1906, with
1,100,000 supplies, only 214 were withdrawn for non-payment of waterrate,
and of these only about 150 were inhabited houses.
(3) That with a view to giving the Local Authority information as
to the reason of disconnection, we have arranged that the notices sent to
them shall in future declare in all cases the reason for the withdrawal.
In conclusion, we deem it advisable to call the attention of the Board to the
appreciable loss of income which might result if "cutting off" as a remedy for
non-payment of rates were immediately and wholly abandoned.
A. B. PILLING,
Clerk.
Savoy Court, Strand, W.C.
1st March, 1907.
Intimations were received that the water supply had
been withdrawn from 18 houses for the following reasons:—
13 on account of leakages; 3 premises empty; and 2 by
request.
Last year the number was 51, 18 being for non-payment
of water rate.
Two or three complaints as to the dirty condition of
the water were received. Samples were taken at each
house, and, when examined, showed the presence of small
particles of rust, which had probably gained access to the
pipes when repairs or extensions were in progress.
Alterations, such as coupling up dead ends of mains
and extensions of mains, have undoubtedly improved the
water supply in certain portions of the Borough, which for
years has been a subject of complaint, especially in the
summer time, but there is still room for improvement.
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