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49
Prior to the War, the Council operated, with considerable success,
their powers under Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1936, relating to the
repair of unfit houses. During and after the war, these operations,
through force of circumstances, were brought to a standstill. Towards
the end of 1948, consideration was given to the question of resuming
use of these powers. It was decided to do so on a limited scale, and
that every effort should be made to secure the repair of the houses by
informal action, without recourse to the service of formal notices. In
this connection, particular thought was given to the question or
"reasonable cost." Prior to the war, the Council had decided, as a
general rule, that if the cost of repairing the house exceeded 50 per
cent. of its value when repaired, this should be regarded as unreasonable.
The rise in building costs over the last ten years, however, and the
necessity for preserving as many houses as possible, have obviously
rendered this figure obsolete. This matter was under consideration at
the end of the year, with a view to formulating a new basis.
Acting on these new arrangements, informal notices were served
in respect of 23 houses. All these notices were served in the last two
months of the year, and work had been commenced in only 5 cases.
Closing Orders.
One Closing Order under Section 12 of the Housing Act, 1936, was
made during the year, in respect of a basement room.
A survey of all parts of houses in respect of which Closing Orders
had been made by the Council in past years was undertaken, for the
Purpose of ascertaining whether these Orders were being observed.
In 4 cases it was found that contraventions were taking place. In
3 of these cases, the illegal occupation ceased immediately the existence
of the Order was brought to the notice of the occupier, and no action
Was taken beyond the sending of a cautionary letter. In the remaining
case, the Housing Committee ordered proceedings to be taken, but
the summons was not due for hearing till after the end of the year.
Demolition Orders.
Undertakings given during 1947, under Section 11of the Housing
Act, 1936, by the owners of two houses, were complied with during
1948. One undertaking was to demolish the dwelling portion of a
combined shop and dwelling-house, and the other was to carry out a
Works necessary to render a house fit for habitation.
Houses Let in Lodgings.
No special action was taken in respect of such houses.
Overcrowding.
712 cases of overcrowding were discovered during the year, 642 in
consequence of applications for housing accommodation made either
this Council or to the London County Council. In some of these
cases it appeared that the circumstances were such as to give rise to an
offence against the relevant provisions of the Housing Act,
but in view of the difficult housing situation it was considered inadvisable
to take any legal action.
326 overcrowded families were rehoused during the year, 305 by
this Council and 21 by the London County Council.