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volving change of user of premises from use as a dwelling. Investigation of one such
application was carried out during the year.
Applications for Rehousing
At the end of the year, there were 8,015 applications for rehousing on the Council's
waiting list, an increase of 315 on last year. These included tenants of 1,668 Council
dwellings who desired transfer to larger or smaller accommodation.
Preferential Housing on Health Grounds
Applications for preferential housing on health grounds, investigated during 1966,
numbered 420. An 'urgent' assessment was granted in 52 cases and balancing points were
awarded in a further 115. Tenant transfer was supported in the case of 83 tenants
of Council dwellings.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
In November 1964 the former Stepney Metropolitan Borough Council made a scheme,
under Section 22 of the Housing Act 1961 as amended by Section 70 of the Housing Act
1964, for the registration of houses in multiple-occupation in certain wards of the borough.
The scheme was submitted for confirmation to the Minister of Housing and Local Government
in January, 1965 but by 1st April when the new London boroughs were formed the scheme had
not been approved, the Minister stating that this was the first scheme presented for
confirmation and a special study was taking place in connection with which visits were
being made to local authorities all over the country. Several discussions took place
with the Ministry's officers and changes in the scheme were agreed. In consequence of
these changes and of alterations to the wards following the formation of the new borough
of Tower Hamlets, an amended scheme was approved by the Council in September 1966. At
the end of the year the Minister's confirmation was awaited.
Continued progress was made during the year by the technical assistants in dealing
with houses in multiple-occupation and in the use of the Council's powers under the
provisions of Part II of the Housing Act 1961 and regulations made thereunder. Management
orders were made in respect of 45 premises following upon the service of 57 notices of
intention to make such orders. One management order was revoked after representation
was received from the owner of the premises concerned.
Necessary works to remedy conditions caused by neglect of management were completed
in 82 houses, 62 summonses being granted for contraventions of the regulations, fines
amounting to £405 being imposed.
Eleven notices were served under the provisions of Section 90 of the Housing Act,
1957, for permitting overcrowding in houses in multiple occupation. Many visits by the
61.