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65
NOTE: Units mean the number of equivalent persons in the families,
obtained by regarding children between one and ten years of
age as "half persons" and disregarding infants under the age
of twelve months.
Individual Unfit Houses and Parts of Houses
Houses made fit after informal action under the
Housing or Public Health Acts 338
Houses repaired after service of formal notices
under the Public Health Acts 175
Houses made fit after service of formal notices under Section 9 of the
Housing Act, 1957
(a) by owners 8
(b) by local authority in default 1
Action under Section 18 of the Housing Act, 1957
(a) closing orders made 19 (47 rooms)
(b) closing orders determined 12(22 rooms)
(c) closing orders cancelled (premises
demolished) 7
(d) consents given to use of closed rooms
for non-sleeping purposes 3 (6 rooms)
(e) undertakings accepted from owners to render
part of building fit for habitation NIL
(f) part of building rendered fit and undertaking
cancelled 1
Assessment of Housing Priorities on Medical Grounds
During the year, 297 applications for rehousing on medical grounds were examined,
and recommendations for the award of additional points were made to the Borough Housing
Manager. In each case, the precise medical conditions and resultant disability were
determined (frequently necessitating communication with the family doctor or with the
hospital attended). The premises were inspected in detail to ascertain the extent and nature
of the existing accommodation; the adequacy of day and sleeping space, sanitary and
structural defects; and the existence of inconveniences, such as stairs, which might be
prejudicial to the patient.
On this information, and that supplied by the Borough Housing Manager, an
assessment of points to be awarded on medical grounds was made in 282 cases.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Public Health Acts, 1936 and 1961
Forty-seven summonses were authorised during the year but only 41 were
subsequently issued as the nuisances were abated in six cases. In eighteen cases, Abatement
Orders were secured, fines totalling £125, and costs amounting to £100, were obtained. In
thirteen cases the summonses were withdrawn and in one case the summons dismissed, the
nuisance having been abated prior to the Court hearing. In four cases the summonses were
adjourned sine die, as the necessary works were being carried out by the defendant. In two
cases, Orders were made for the nuisances to be remedied within 7 days and 21 days
respectively and in three cases within 2 months.
Housing Acts, 1957 to 1969
Overcrowding
Twelve summonses were issued for permitting dwellings to be overcrowded but these
were subsequently withdrawn as the owners had contracted to sell the properties.