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34
These are early days to pass judgment or, indeed, to give a
sound appraisal on the usefulness of the Act as far as Paddington is
concerned. It is very clear that this was one of the areas the Minister
had in mind when formulating the powers, but first impressions
indicate that a simpler and more readily implemented legislation
would make a more immediate impact on the situation. However,
the ensuing year should provide a clearer basis for assessment.
I can report so far that experience gained and information
obtained from inspections indicate the following:—
1. That a high proportion of single room lettings, mostly
furnished, are deficient in amenities and require attention.
The service of a notice under Section 15 of the 1961 Act in
these cases could produce one or other of the following
consequences:—
(i) It may inspire proposals from the owners suggesting
amendments to some of the items included in the notices
as served, and this may include a decision to reduce
the number of existing lettings resulting in a number of
families being displaced and in need of rehousing.
(ii) Some owners who are enjoying large rentals from the
lettings may consider the expense relative to the works
required justified and comply with the notice in full.
(iii) The owner may be unresponsive, and leave the local
authority with no alternative but to carry out the works
in default and recover the costs in the manner prescribed.
In connection with both (ii) and (iii) above, whether the
works are carried out by the owner or the Borough Council
in the owner's default, the result could be that multiple
occupation of these very small units of accommodation may
be perpetuated irrespective of whether or not it is the most
advantageous long term manner of occupation.
2. That the premises so far inspected in multiple occupation
have been found, in the main, to be in a reasonable state of
structural repair but being deficient in amenities, would be
more aptly dealt with under Section 15 of the 1961 Act than
Section 9 of the 1957 Act (the "Repair" Section) because
of the additional powers available in the former, in particular,
personal washing facilities. This is unfortunate as the powers
to recover the costs incurred by a local authority in carrying
out work under the 1961 Act appear to suffer by comparison
with the Act of 1957.
3. That there would most likely be some difficulty in applying
Management Order procedure under the 1961 Act in isolation
and enforcing the Regulations where services and amenities
were used by too many people. It appears of doubtful
practical value, in fact, to use the Management Order unless
there are a reasonable sufficiency of amenities already, or a
Notice under Section 15 requiring their provision.
4. That there is much value in the informal approach and
discussions with the owner or his representative as a preliminary.
This can reduce the necessity for the preparation
of detailed specifications of work by the Council's officers
and is imperative where alternative housing accommodation