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34
more than one family". It is particularly welcomed in Hampstead
where there are many well-built and substantial houses which were
originally intended for occupation by one family and which cannot be
dealt with under slum clearance provisions because the buildings
themselves are sound, but which are now occupied by a number of
families although the sanitary and other facilities have not been
increased in proportion to the increase in the number of occupants.
Section 15 of the Act empowers the local authority to require
the execution of works to remedy defects not only in natural lighting,
ventilation, water supply, drainage and sanitary conveniences and
facilities for the storage, preparation and cooking of food and the
disposal of waste water , which are mentioned in Section 4 of the
Housing Act, 1957, but also adds artificial lighting, personal washing
facilities and installations for space heating or for the use of space
heating appliances.
The Act further empowers the local authority to do the work
in default, although it appears that the provisions for recovery of
the cost are less satisfactory than in other Housing Acts, and it
could well happen that in certain circumstances the Council might
find it difficult or impossible to recover the money so spent.
The methods of enforcement appear also to be somewhat
cumbersome but the Act nevertheless does give considerable
assistance in dealing with a very difficult and growing problem.
Another welcome feature of this Part of the Act is that it allows
the Council to deal with overcrowding in houses in multiple occup—
ation before the overcrowding has developed, which is not the case
with Section 90 of the Act of 1957.
The operation of the Act may, however, cause a good deal
of hardship because it will be impossible in many instances to
provide the required standard of amenities without taking away
some of the accommodation used for living or sleeping purposes.
This will mean that a number of families will be evicted and it is
most unlikely that the Council could, in fairness to those people
already on the housing waiting list, offer alternative accommodation
to the evicted families.
This is the price which must be paid in order to achieve and
maintain proper standards in the many houses in multiple occupation