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47
Defective Dwellings.—Repairs.—With regard to houses
found not to be in a reasonable state of repair, the following
procedure, classified under two 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 defect 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 noncompliance
the Town Clerk is instructed to institute proceedings.
(2) 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 consider
as to whether such houses can be repaired at a reasonable
cost having regard to the value of the premises, or whether Closing
and Demolition Orders should be made.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—The L.C.C. Bye-laws made under
Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1936, defined a house let in lodgings
as one which was occupied or was 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 were subject
to registration and had to comply with certain requirements as to
sanitation, cleanliness, etc.
However, Sections 6 to 8 of the Housing Act, 1936, and Section
155 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, were superseded during
the year by Sections 11 and 12 of the Housing Repairs and Rents
Act, 1954. Under these Sections of the new Act, general powers
have now been given to the Council to secure the provision of the
following :—
1. Natural Lighting
2. Ventilation.
3. Water Supply.
4. Drainage and Sanitary Conveniences.
5. Facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food
and for the disposal of waste water.
6. Prevention of Overcrowding of sleeping rooms.
The number of houses on the Register at the end of the year
was 8 ; these have been visited by the Lady Sanitary Inspector
on 16 occasions.