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Action under the Housing Acts is governed by "reasonable" cost. The Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors has-published a detailed analysis of housing repair costs which shows that in November,
1952, repair costs had risen to 293 percent. of the 1939 figures. With rents static it follows that repairs
which would have been "reasonable" in 1939 are no longer so and action has to taken under the
demolition sections of the Housing Acts unless a policy is pursued of turning a blind eye to the real condition
of the house while trying to keep it wind and weatherproof. Delay in carrying out repairs and
maintenance results in accelerated deterioration and ultimately in costly repair or replacement. Action
in regard to slum clearance and sub-standard houses continues to be postponed as far as possible but the
Department is only too well aware that the delaying tactic is creating its own problem. It is not easy
to decide, in the light of present conditions and the knowledge of future difficulty, what action to take in
regard to houses not in all respects fit for human habitation In general owners have been co-operative
and no appeal was made against notices served under the Public Health Act or Section 9 of the Housing Act.
A summary of the action taken during the year is shown below:—
Houses inspected 367
Defective houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action 342
Defective houses rendered fit in consequence of statutory action 34
Houses in respect of which Demolition Orders were made 3
Houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition Orders 2
Houses in respect of which undertakings not to re-let accepted 3
Houses demolished where undertakings had been given —
Houses rendered fit in consequence of undertaking given by owner —
Houses in respect of part of which Closing Orders were made 1
Houses known to be overcrowded (Housing Act Standard) at end of year 45
New cases of overcrowding reported 24
Cases of overcrowding relieved during the year 103
Certificate issued under Section 12 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restriction (Amendment)
Act. 1923 -