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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 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 amendments 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. The Minister's confirmation of the amended scheme was
received in February 1967 and during the year 167 houses were registered.
Continued progress was made during the year by the technical assistants in dealing with
houses known to be 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 47 premises following the service of 91 notices of intention to
make such orders. Representations received from the owners of two premises for revocation of
Management Orders were not accepted as it was considered that the houses were likely to fall
into disrepair.
Necessary works to remedy conditions caused by neglect of management were completed in 54
houses, 244 summonses being granted for contraventions of the regulations, fines amounting to
£1,451 being imposed.
Sixteen 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 technical
assistants in the late evening and early hours of the morning are necessary to check that
these notices are being complied with. Eighteen summonses were issued for contravention of
notices, resulting in fines amounting to £260.
Nineteen directions to prevent or reduce overcrowding were served under Section 19 of the
Housing Act 1961. Summonses were issued in five instances for contravention of the directions.
A person was fined £10 for failing to comply with a notice served, under Section 16 of
the Rousing Act, 1961, to secure the prevision of means of escape in case of fire.
At the end of the year 910 houses in multiple occupation were under surveillance.
Standard Grants and Improvements
In conjunction with officers of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor's Department, the
housing inspector inspected 29 premises regarding which applications had been made to the
Council for standard or improvement grants.
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