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UNDERGROUND ROOMS REGULATIONS
In the light of modern conditions and in accordance with the
provisions of the Housing Act 1957 the Council reviewed the subject
of underground room regulations relating to ventilation, lighting,
dampness, construction etc., and new regulations were confirmed by
the Minister of Housing and Local Government on April 3rd 1962.
HOUSING ACT 1961 - PART II
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
The principal problems which could be dealt with under this
new legislation in Southwark are in relation to tenement buildings
built as model dwellings some ninety years ago. These buildings
were brought into the scope of legislation by reason of section 22
of the Act.
A survey has been carried out showing that apart from the tenement
buildings there are some 5000 houses in multiple occupation
and approximately 100 of these call for action by the authority.
Five blocks of tenements were the subject of notices of intention
to make Management Orders and subsequently the conditions were
improved and the Council did not make the Orders.
A detailed survey of houses calling for action was being carried
out, and as a result of informal action conditions at a number
of the tenement buildings were improved. Had Section 22 been wider
in its powers as to the control of tenement buildings, more could
have been done.
At the Annual Conference of the Association of Public Health
Inspectors, Mr. Harold Archer, the Chief Public Health Inspector,
gave an address on the subject of Houses in Multiple Occupation.
The Council's congratulations were extended to Mr. Archer on the
excellent manner in which he had presented his address, copies of
which had been sent to each Member.
In this paper, the extent of the problem was reviewed and Mr.
Archer discussed the powers and responsibilities of local authorities,
with special regard as to management, amenities and overcrowding.
He stressed that immediate attention should be given to
en suring proper management, and, at the same time or subsequently,
as circumstances permitted, that a strenous drive should be made to
provide adequate facilities and services and to control occupation.