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76
In connection with property which does lend itsolf to conversion
Part II of the Housing Act, 1949, provides for Exchequer contributions
to Local Authorities in respect of expenditure which may be
incurred by them in the improvement of existing dwellings and the
conversion of houses and other buildings. Likewise Local Authorities
are empowered under Section 20 of this Act to make grants to
private owners for similar purposes subject to certain conditions,
one of which is that the dwellings shall be of a good standard. In
Circular 90 of September 1949, the Ministry of Health pointed out
that the general standard expected is that specified in the "Report
of the Standards of Fitness for Habitation Sub-Committee of the
Central Housing Advisory Committee This reads as follows:—
"The dwelling should—
(i) be in all respects dry;
(ii) be in a good state of repair;
(iii) have each room properly lighted and ventilated;
(iv) have an adequate supply of wholesome water laid on for
all purposes inside the dwelling;
(v) be provided with efficient and adequate means of supplying
hot water for domestic purposes;
(vi) have an internal or otherwise readily accessible watercloset;
(vii) have a fixed bath preferably in a separate room;
(viii) be provided with a sink or sinks and with suitable arrangements
for the disposal of waste water;
(ix) be provided with facilities for domestic washing, including
a copper, preferably in a separate room;
(x) have a proper drainage system;
(xi) be provided with adequate points for artificial lighting in
each room;
(xii) be provided with adequate facilities for heating each
habitable room;
(xiii) have satisfactory facilities for preparing and cooking
food;
(xiv) have a well-ventilated larder or food store;
(xv) have proper provision for the storage of fuel;
(xvi) have a satisfactory surfaced path to outbuildings and
convenient access from a street to the back door."
In cases where financial assistance is sought under Part II of the
Housing Act, 1949, modifications of these standards are allowed only
in exceptional circumstances.