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Again, by the requirement that any grant made for improvement must result
in the dwelling concerned being fit for habitation means that much is achieved by
this process.
A further method is by way of the qualification certificate procedure, a new concept
brought in by the Housing Act, 1969. Under this the tenancy of a controlled
dwelling reaching the required standard, which includes fitness for habitation, will
qualify, on the issue of a certificate, for conversion to a regulated basis and subject
to fair rent fixing. The incentive provided by this method results in dwellings being
made fit with the minimum of effort by the Council.
(c) Houses in Multiple Occupation
The basic powers for dealing with these houses is contained in the Housing Act.
1961. As much attention as possible is given to these premises, as living conditions
in many of them present the department with its most urgent public health problem.
The powers which have been extended by the Housing Acts 1964 and 1969 include
provisions for dealing with management, additional amenities, means of escape
from fire, the limiting of occupation and control of conditions by orders and
registration schemes. A satisfactory outcome in relation to some of the actions is
not easy to obtain, especially the provision of additional amenities and control of
occupation, but fortunately, the more important factor, i.e. means of escape from
fire, can fairly readily be achieved and much has been done in this respect.
(d) Improvements to Dwellings
These can be accomplished in one of two ways. The first by the use of the grant
schemes, which as amended by the Housing Act, 1969, provide strong incentives
to owners of properties who wish to convert their houses to self-contained flats
or to improve and repair individual dwellings. Maximum publicity and assistance,
essential to success, is given to people concerned.
The second method is by the use of the compulsory power given to the Council
by Section 19 of the Housing Act, 1964. This is initiated by a tenant making a
request to the Council for improvements and followed by the service of a notice
on the landlord. In the event of non-compliance with a notice the Council can have
the work carried out and the cost charged to the owner.
The compulsory powers contained in the Housing Act, 1964, in conjunction
with improvement areas have been repealed by the Housing Act, 1969, which now
provides for the establishment of general improvement areas. The improvement
of the dwellings and also of the environment of an area is intended to be achieved
mainly by voluntary co-operation between the Council and persons concerned
The compulsory power given by Section 19 of the Housing Act, 1964, for individual
dwellings, already mentioned above, will be available and other Housing Act power
to deal with unsatisfactory living conditions can be used in general improvement
areas. In fact, the establishment of these areas will provide the department with
the opportunity to deal with conditions by using the many powers and incentives
available in a concentrated way. Several areas suitable for this treatment have been
identified and detailed surveys in relation to a few have been carried out.
(e) Council Loans for House Purchase
Properties which were the subject of applications to the Council for mortgages
were surveyed and reported on by the health inspectors in relation to repairs,
amenities, occupation and necessary fire precautions. The requirements as to these
matters were made a condition of any loan offered. Specifications submitted by
mortgagors were checked for approval and the work carried out was supervised
prior to certification to the Borough Treasurer.
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