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The effect of the scheme will not be seen for some years but from July to
December 509 were registered under part I and 2 under Part II. During the year
the Council gave 146 Directions limiting the number of individuals or households
or both that may occupy houses in multiple occupation.
Access by Officers is still a serious problem and it was found necessary to
obtain 7 Warrants of Entry.
The provision of space heating for the occupants of houses in multiple
occupation is mainly by portable oil heaters. These are often abused and ill used
with a lack of maintenance.
The storage of paraffin is a major problem especially when houses contain
several lettings, each wanting to store 5 to 10 gallons.
Many tenants store the paraffin in the staircase enclosure which in most
cases is the only means of escape in case of fire. As much as 30 gallons has been
found on staircases. This is a most dangerous practice and educating the Public
not to do this is part of inspector's duties.
Means of escape in case of fire were provided in 135 houses. Informal
action secured 19, formal 66 and 50 were installed in default or by arrangement
with the owners.
6. Housing Act 1969 Section 60
Provision is made in this section for dealing with parts of buildings which
cannot be provided with means of escape in case of fire at reasonable expense,
i.e. tall buildings with attic rooms where secondary means of escape is impracticable
or cost of installation is unreasonable.
These attics were made the subject of Closing Orders after consultation with
the Greater London Council.
A total of 10,615 visits and revisits were made by the staff dealing with
houses in multiple occupation.
Provisions is made in the Housing Act 1964 as amended by the Housing
Act 1969 for local authorities to make a Control Order followed by a Compulsory
Purchase Order where a house in multiple occupation is in such a state that living
conditions in the house are such that it is necessary to protect the safety, welfare
or health of persons living in the house.
This drastic action is only resorted to in certain cases where ordinary
action has failed. Experience shows that this is when a house has been virtually
abandoned and essential services are to be or have been disconnected. Three such