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HOUSING ACTS, 1957—1964
(a) Clearance Areas
These are groups of houses found unfit for human habitation and that the most
satisfactory method of dealing with them is by demolition. In most cases the Council
seeks to acquire the sites for redevelopment. This procedure is followed by the Greater
London Council and Lewisham, a programme for the years 1965/70 having been
agreed. Additional areas do come to light and when these are identified they are
added to the programme.

(b) Repair
Apart from houses repaired as a result of action under the Public Health Acts 1936
and 1961, some properties are found to be unfit mainly due to extensive disrepair
which could be remedied at reasonable expense. In these cases notices are served under
the Housing Act 1957. Where the owner fails to comply, the Council is empowered to
carry out the work in default. As a result of action taken six houses were made fit
during the year after formal notices:—
(a) by owners 4
(b) by the Council 2
(c) Closure or Demolition
Individual dwellings or parts found to be unfit for human habitation and not
capable of being made fit at reasonable expense can be dealt with by a Closing or
Demolition Order. The owners are notified of the Council's intention and have an
opportunity of making an offer of works to avoid the Order being made. Some details
of this procedure durine 1967 are as follows:—

HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
Under the 1961 Act these houses can be improved by the provision of additional
amenities (sinks, hot water, baths, water closets, etc.) by improving the management,
by reducing the number of occupants and by one of the most important items, means
of escape in the case of fire. A great deal of work has been achieved in this type of
property by informal approach to the owners. Unfortunately this type of occupation
may occur in houses on mortgage to the Council and in these cases action has been
possible with the co-operation of other Council departments.
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