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HOUSING
OLD HOUSES INTO NEH HOMES
This White Paper was published in April and it was felt that the legislation proposed
would be of great importance in a Borough of the nature of Islington. The effect was immediate
in the need both to prepare for the proposed new powers and to amend existing procedure in
anticipation.
The Housing Committee ageed the following interim policy:-
1. That generally Notices under Section 15 of the Housing Act 1961 (which requires the
provision of amenities) be not served, except when conditions make this a matter of
urgency. This was because of the new grant proposed, which would be available in respect
of houses in multiple occupation. Section 16 Notices (which require the provision of
means of escape in case of fire) would continue to be served. In so far as such Notices
may conflict with Section 15 requirements, in each case where a Section 16 Notice is
served the person in receipt of the Notice is to be advised informally of Section 15
requirements. An opportunity would therefore be given for this work to be done simultaneously;
thus any conflict could be resolved.
2. That other work under the Housing Act 1961 should be continued and the number of
Direction Orders increased to cover cases where previously Section 15 Notices would have
been served. The object is to prevent any worsening of conditions, i.e. any increases of
occupancy in relation to the amenities available, and if possible to obtain a reduction
in occupancy levels so that when the new powers are available there would be space to
enable the satisfactory provision of amenities.
3. That a "condition of dwelling" survey should be carried out to enable (a) the designation
of General Improvement Areas and the utilisation of other powers on a planned basis, and
(b) a decision to be made as to whether it would be necessary or appropriate to propose
the use of powers to regulate or prevent multiple occupation in any areas in the Borough.
Three pilot scheme General Improvement Areas were proposed.
Tibberton Square
Corbyn Street area
Mitchison Road area
HOUSING ACT 1937, SECTION 9
In view of the remarks made under this head in last year's annual report, the proposal
in the White Paper to extend the power to require repair was welcomed. In so far as houses
need not be unfit before this power can be used, this should go a long way to prevent property
deteriorating.
HOUSING ACT 1937, SECTION 16. 17, 18 and 27.
13(12) houses were represented as unfit, 9(5) Closing Orders and 3(2) Demolition Orders
were made. 37(31) parts of buildings were also represented, but only 16(42) Closing orders
were made, a considerable reduction on last year, (figures given in brackets). This was due
particularly to delays by interested parties in returning Section 170 information, the
necessary prerequisite to the service of time and place Notices.
A general check was made during the year of all properties or parts subject to Closing
Orders, as a result of which there were 17 prosecutions for contraventions.
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