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8
HOUSING
Houses in Multiple Occupation
In spite of the shortage of inspectorial staff,
intensive efforts were made to take advantage of the new
legislation to deal with squalid conditions in houses in
multiple occupation.
It is gratifying to report that in 139 such premis es
unsatisfactory conditions were remedied as a result of
informal approaches to the owners. The tact and diplomacy
exercised by the Officers in bringing this about i s a
matter for congratulation.
In 40 instances, however, it was necessary to r eport
to the Public Health Committee with a view of statutory
action being taken, and in 28 cases a Management Order
was made under the provisions of Section 12 of the Housing
Act 1961. In addition, Directions were made in respect of
28 of these houses under Section 19 of the same act,
limiting the number of persons permitted to occupy the
premises in their existing condition.
Slum Clearance
No representations were made for slum clearanc e
purposes during the year, but these activities wer e
resumed early in 1964. Half of the houses in the Council 's
five year slum clearance programme for 1961/5 had already
been dealt with, leaving only 64 houses to be represented
during 1964 and 1965.
Priorities for Rehousing
The number of applications for alternative housing
accommodation supported by medical certificates wh ich
were referred to the Medical Officer of Health was 263
compared with 232 the previous year. Each case w as
investigated in consultation with the family doctor in
accordance with the scheme of Medical Priorities wh ich
has been operating so successfully in this Borough f or
the past few years. The following table shows the medi cal
conditions and the recommendations made in each category.