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normal, as a result of which, houses which could have provided
good accommodation for perhaps another 30 years, prematurely
become subjects ripe for slum clearance. Loss of housing accommodation
resulting from the last war, increase in population since
then and, more recently, the influx of immigrants from abroad collectively
have led to extreme pressure on our housing resources
and have aggravated an already serious situation. Also complicating
the position is the fact that many immigrants are hazy about
the principles of health and hygiene and the standards demanded
by the Public Health Acts and by-laws.
Previously, in London, houses let-in-lodgings were subject to
by-laws made by the London County Council under Section 6 of
the Housing Act, 1936. These by-laws, although by no means
ideal, were specific in that registration was obligatory, as was compliance
with standards of cleanliness, sanitation, etc. Imposition
of these requirements besides being positive and clear cut, enabled
local authorities to exercise some compulsion to prevent deterioration
of property and sanitary conditions and that the repeal of
these by-laws by the 1954 Act was considered by many to be a
retrograde step. However, it had been anticipated that the introduction
of the new Act of 1961 would restore the original control
but it would seem that this is not yet to be for the situation will
depend upon regulations still to be made under Section 13. In
these regulations, which are to provide a code for the management
of houses in multiple occupation, it is to be hoped that terms which
are arbitrary, indecisive and capable of variable interpretations, will
be avoided.
What appears to be a significant defect in the new Act has
already been brought to light. If notices served upon a landlord
of a house in multiple occupation requiring him to carry our certain
works are not complied with, there is no provision for the imposition
of a penalty and the local authority is left to do the work in
default and to recover expenses as a civil debt. At a time when
local authorities are experiencing great difficulty in engaging suitable
staff this is a duty which often has to be put out to local contractors
and already some authorities are finding that, due to the appalling
conditions found in some of these premises, contractors are unwilling
to become embroiled financially or otherwise.
Housing Act, 1957—The following procedures were carried
out under Part II of the above Act during 1961.
Unfit Houses—In accordance with Section 16 the following
terraced house was represented as being unfit for human habitation
and not capable at reasonable expense of being rendered so fit.
Demolition was considered inadvisable due to the possible effects