Gill Smith wrote:
bought a 1950's ex-council house

it's just about liveable-in

so, where to start?

central heating, electrics, or the damp patches I just noticed at the base
of the sitting room walls

I'd say electrics first for safety, then heating, and that may sort out
the damp patches, too.

A quick check which costs nothing would be for earth built up outside
and bridging the damp proofing in the outside walls. Did somone put
raised flowerbeds by the walls?

Good luck.....

--
Tciao for Now!

John.