View report page

80
legislation is required to deal with these houses on an area basis in a similar
manner to that adopted when dealing with slum clearance.
The second problem in Lambeth is that multiple occupation is spreading to
areas which were, until recently, areas of one family houses. It is recognised
that many of the houses built before 1914 are now too large for the requirements
of to-days families and that smaller units must be provided.
It is not always practicable to divide these houses into self-contained units
and some multiple occupation is inevitable. This development must be controlled
by some form of prior approval by the Local Authority.
At present, the owner dividing the house into self-contained units is
controlled by the Town Planning Acts, but there is no similar control over houses
in multiple occupation. However, it is now becoming apparent that owners of
houses included in the area of the Council's Registration Scheme are consulting
my department before allowing one family houses to change to multiple occupation
and in many cases are willing to provide the necessary facilities before the house
is again let.
Number of visits and revisits to houses in multiple occupation 874
Number of visits and revisits in registration area 323
Number of dwellings where number of occupants was reduced 106
HOUSING (FINANCIAL PROVISIONS) ACT 1958
The Council and also the Greater London Council requires that applicants for
mortgages for the purchase of houses should undertake that all such properties
should conform to the provisions of the Housing Act relating to multiple occupation
and that any underground rooms should be made to conform with the Regulations.
In this connection 1,302 visits and revisits were carried out. In addition, 960
visits and revisits were made to houses where mortgages had previously been
granted by the Council, the Greater London Council or Wandsworth Council, to
ascertain the present condition and occupation of the houses.
HOUSE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
Discretionary Grants
There are many houses in the Borough which, under modern conditions of
living are too large for one family and owners are persuaded to convert these
houses into smaller self-contained units.