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The matter was repeatedly before the Public Health Committee,
and towards the end of the year, following representations to the
Government Departments concerned, there were grounds for
assuming that authority would be granted for dealing with some of
the sites under Amenity Clearance Schemes.
When the necessary authority is granted for clearance of sites,
co-operation from residents in the vicinity should be sought, for
without it efforts to improve conditions may be wasted.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—The L.C.C. Bye-laws made under
Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1936, define a house let in lodgings
as one which is occupied, or is of a type suitable for occupation, by
persons of the working classes and let in lodgings or occupied by
members of more than one family. These dwellings are subject to
registration and must comply with certain requirements as to
sanitation, cleanliness, etc.
The number of houses on the Register at the end of the year
was 3 ; these have been visited by the Woman Inspector on 36
occasions.
Defective Dwellings.—Repairs.—With regard to houses
found not to be in a reasonable state of repair, the following
procedure, classified under three headings, is generally adopted :—
(1) Complaints from or on behalf of the occupier.—The District
Sanitary Inspector makes inspection and an Intimation is sent to
the owner specifying the defects and nature of nuisance found.
Where necessary, the circumstances are reported to the Public
Health Committee for authority to serve a Statutory Notice to
enforce abatement of the nuisance. The premises are re-inspected
by the Sanitary Inspector and, if work required is not executed
within a reasonable period, Statutory Notice is served. In cases
of non-compliance the Town Clerk is instructed to institute proceedings.
(2) Sanitary defects due to depreciation of property.—Depreciation
of property usually occurs as a result of the owner's inability
to carry out repairs during the war period. A Notice is served on
the owner by the Sanitary Inspector, and where expenditure
exceeds £100 it is necessary for a licence to be obtained before the
work is allowed to proceed.
(3) Housing defects.—These are cases where the conditions
are such that they cannot be remedied under the procedure of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, and are dealt with under the
Housing Act, 1936, as being houses unfit for human habitation.
Representations are made to the Public Health Committee to