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HOUSING ACT, 1961
Section 12 - Management Orders
A further 7 houses were made subject to management orders.
None of the orders made previously was determined, but all houses subject to a management order
were regularly visited to ensure that the provisions of the order were complied with.
Section 15 - Provision of amenities.
In accordance with the instructions of the former Housing Committee this section was not generally
implemented in view of the implications of the Housing Act, 1969 which came into operation on the 25th
July, 1969. This new Act amends the definition of Multiple Occupation and provides grant-aid for the
provision of amenities in common in houses which are multi-occupied.
In consequence only 28 Notices were served to provide amenities, but routine visiting by technical
assistants continued where work was in progress to provide amenities in accordance with Notices previously
served.
Section 16. - Means of escape in case of fire.
It will be noted that with the increase of three additional Fire Inspectors to the establishment of this
section there has been a notable increase in the surveys made, notices served and means of escape provided.
The work has been concentrated in those areas of houses where it is considered that the need for the
provision of escape is most needed.
In addition, the Fire Inspectors have co-operated with both the Valuation and the Borough
Architects Departments by the preparation of schedules of work to provide adequate means of escape to
properties the subject of Council mortgages and proposals for the conversion of houses into separate units.
The incidence of fires in which portable paraffin oil heaters have been involved has averaged 40% of
the total fires in dwelling houses within the Borough during the last three years. One cannot help but feel
that although this form of heating is popular and widely used, powers are needed to forbid or to restrict
the use of portable paraffin heaters in houses in multiple-occupation. Experience has shown that in too
many cases large numbers of people are at risk from heating sources whioh may be completely outside
of their means of control.
Section 19 - Houses in multiple occupation-
This section regulates the maximum number of individuals who are permitted to live in a house or
part of a house in multiple occupation.
The Housing Act 1969 amends this section to include the number of individuals or the number of
households or both, permitted to occupy a house or part of a house in multiple occupation.
In addition the new Act defines more concisely the term "family" contained in the Housing Act
1957 and also the definition of multiple occupation in the Housing Act 1961 which now reads"a house
which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household".
Unfortunately the term "household" is not defined, and this may well lead to complications in
applying the provisions of Section 19.
Housing Act 1964 - Section 19. Tenement Blocks.
A report on tenements in Category II (tenement blocks capable of improvement to a reasonable
standard) was made to the Committee in October, 1968. There have been further consultations with
owners, agents, and builders on the possible imporvement to several such tenements during the past year.
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