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In considering a scheme of improvement or conversion submitted for grant,
only one question may properly be asked, namely, whether it will produce
a satisfactory modernised dwelling complying with the statutory conditions
and the specified requirements.
The requirements which the Minister of Housing and Local
Government has specified for a dwelling in respect of which an
improvement grant may be made are as follows:-
The dwelling must, after improvement or conversion
1. be in a good state of repair and substantially
free from damp}
2. have each room properly lighted and ventilated;
3. have an adequate supply of wholesome water laid
on inside the dwellings
4. be provided with efficient and adequate means
of supplying hot water for domestic purposes;
5. have an internal or otherwise readily accessible
water closet;
6. have a fixed bath (or shower) preferably in a
separate room;
7. be provided with a sink or sinks and with
suitable arrangements for the disposal of waste
water;
8. have a proper drainage system;
9. be provided in each room with adequate points
for gas or electric lighting (where reasonably
available);
10. be provided with adequate facilities for heating;
11. have satisfactory facilities for storing,
preparing and cooking food;
12. have proper provision for the storage of fuel
(where required.)
Applications for improvement grants received and dealt with
during 1958 are summarised as follows:-
Applications received 8
Applications granted 7 (comprising 9
separate "dwellings")
Applications refused 1
Total amount of grants approved £3,099. 0s. 0d.
Overcrowding
At the end of the war, it was felt that the rigid enforcement
of the overcrowding standards in the Housing Act was impracticable.
The Public Health Committee, therefore, approved a scheme for dealing
with the worst cases in the first place. The Committee adopted a
Modified Standard which involved increasing the "permitted numbers" for
a dwelling house by a specific amount according to the number of rooms.
This Standard has been applied since 1945, although minor amendments have
been made as a result of experience gained.
All cases of overcrowding coming to notice have been
classified under four headings as follows
Category 1. Overcrowding under the legal
standard where alternative
accommodation has been offered
and refused.
Category 2. Overcrowding in excess of the
Modified Standard.