[Report 1973] / Medical Officer of Health, Axbridge R.D.C.

  • Axbridge (Somerset, England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1973
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1973] / Medical Officer of Health, Axbridge R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    3/14 (page 1)
    ANNUAL REPORT of the CHIEF PUBLIC HEALTH PISRECTOR xm To: The CHAIRMAN and MEMBERS of the AXBRIDG-E Sal DISTRICT COU^JL Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to submit the Annual Report for the Year 1973* It being the last occasion on which this will be done, I have included extracts from previous Annual Reports of the Department's work which I trust will be of interest and serve to indicate the changing emphasis and improving standards throughout 80 years of environmental health control. HOUSING Progress continues to be made in dealing with sub-standard houses, but if the Government's objective of the elimination of all unfit houses within 10 years is to be achieved, whilst in the same period every family is to have available all the standard amenities, then an accelerated programme must be a first consideration for the new District Councils. The number of Improvement Grant enquiries did not diminish, and during the year 60 applications were approved for works to full discretionary grant standard, and 10 approved for the installation of standard amenities. During the year, 34 houses were made fit, defects remedied in 44, 4 were closed and 2 demolished. 5 applications for Qualification Certificates were received and 3 were granted. There is no doubt that new cottages are required for the working classes, but care will have to be taken that such be for them only and not for town people who like to have a little cottage in the country for week-end visits (l 913) • There are scores of unfit cottages in occupation, and it is not only a waste of time and materials to patch up many of them, but it is unwise from a health point of view to extend the life of these hovels which, while they barely give shelter, breed T.B. and other diseases and undermine the general health of the occupants (l923). The position as regards overcrowding is also extremely serious, resulting in lowering the vitality of its victims and piling up an enormous burden for the State in the future (1923). It is essential that existing houses be kept waterproof and habitable, as every house so restored saves the erection of a new house costing nearly £350 (1929).