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The second method is to apply for standard grants, which are introduced by the
House Purchase and Housing Act, 1959, as amended by the Housing Acts of 1961 and 1964.
The Act sets up a new system of standard grants to supplement the present system of improvement
grants paid at the discretion of the local authority. These standard grants are payable
only in respect of the provision of specified standard amenities and on the expenditure actually
incurred for this purpose. Provided certain conditions are satisfied, the owner of the property
can claim the grant as of right.
There are five standard amenities (as shown below) eligible for standard grant,
which is one half of the cost shown to have been incurred in executing the works involved,
subject to a maximum payment of £155, which may be increased to £350 in exceptional
circumstances. The maximum payment of £155 is made up by the following specific amounts,
bath or shower £25, wash-hand-basin £5, hot and cold water supply £75, water closet £40,
food store £10.
(a) A fixed bath or shower in a bathroom;
(b) A wash-hand-basin;
(c) A hot water supply;
(d) A water closet for the dwelling;
(e) Satisfactory facilities for storing food.
Where the Council is satisfied that it would not be practicable at reasonable
cost to improve the dwelling to the full standard (five amenities), a 'reduced standard' is
permitted. This 'reduced standard' consists of a water closet, hot and cold water supply
to a sink, and a satisfactory food store.
These amenities must be for the exclusive use of the occupant of the particular
dwelling. The dwelling must after improvement be equipped with all five standard amenities,
although it is not a condition of this grant that the dwelling be self-contained, as is required
under the discretionary grant scheme.
During 1965, four applications for standard grants were received in respect of
individual premises. All four applications were approved, three being for the provision of
all the standard amenities and the remaining one was in respect of bath and wash-hand-basin
with hot and cold water supply.
HOUSE PURCHASE LOANS
During the year, the basements of 41 properties were inspected as a result of
applications to the Council for house purchase loans.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING OF COMMON STAIRCASES IN
TENEMENT HOUSES AND FLATS
The Council's Bye-laws relating to artificial lighting of common staircases in
tenement houses and flats were made under the provisions of the Public Health (London) Act,
1936, and the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1956, and continue in force
by virtue of Section 87 of the London Government Act, 1963. The principal Bye-law reads
as follows:-
"The occupier of every tenement house to which these Bye-laws apply and the
owner of every block of flats shall provide adequate artificial lighting for all
common staircases:-
(a) from half an hour before sunset until 12 o'clock midnight;
(b) for one hour before sunrise during the months of October, November,
December, January, February and March; and
(c) at other times as and when necessary if adequate means of natural lighting
are not provided."
During 1965, formal notices were served in 2 cases, requiring compliance with
these Bye-laws.