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The annual survey of 167 premises subject to closing orders was carried out during
the year, and the results are as follows:-
8 premises and 146 parts of premises were still either not used or used strictly in
accordance with the 'permitted use' granted by the Council either at the time of making
the closing order or subsequently.
10 premises were found to have been demolished since the previous year's survey.
3 premises were being used in contravention of the closing orders. In one case
the Public Health Committee decided to take no further action, and the other two cases
have since been resolved.
IMPROVEMENT GRANTS (HOUSING ACTS, 1949-1957)
I am indebted to the Borough Architect and Director of Housing, Mr. E. A. H. MacDonald,
A R. I.B. A., P.I Hsg , for the following particulars applicable to 1961:-
Applications Received Applications dealt with
Discretionary grants 42 38
Standard grants 97 68
In each case the Public Health Department is given an opportunity to check whether
proposals comply with statutory and byelaw requirements.
SLUM CLEARANCE PROGRAMMES
Whilst no Clearance Orders were made during 1961 in implementing their joint
programme, a number of inspections were made and preliminary steps taken by officers of
the London County Council and the Council.
RENT ACT, 1957
The administration regarding questions of certificates of disrepair under this Act
continued to work smoothly. The examination of documents and giving of advice was
undertaken in the Town Clerk's Department, whilst inspections, preparations of forms and
correspondence were carried out by the Public Health Department staff.
When visiting premises it was often found that nuisances under the Public Health
(London) Act, existed, sometimes, but by no means always included in the tenant's notice
(Form G). Independent statutory action was taken to secure abatement of nuisances,
whether or not so included.
During the year no certificate of disrepair issued by the Council was challenged by
any owner or occupier in the County Court. There are still 91 certificates issued under
the Housing Repairs and Rents Act. 1954, uncancelled, 3 being cancelled during 1961.
93 Certificates under the 1957 Act were outstanding at the end of the year.
Details of action taken between 1st January and 31st December, 1961, are as follows:-
Applications for certificates 20
Decisions not to issue certificates Nil
Decisions to issue certificates 19
(a) in respect of some but not all defects 12
(b) in respect of all defects 7
Undertakings given by landlords 12
Undertakings refused by Council Nil
Certificates issued 6
Applications by landlords to Council for cancellation of certificates 13
Objections by tenants to cancellation of certificates 5
Council decisions to cancel in spite of tenants' objections 1
Certificates cancelled 7