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Notices in respect of overcrowding under the provisions of Section 90 of the
Housing Act 1957, were served in 40 instances. Visits in the late evening continue
to be made to check that the notices are being complied with. 25 summonses were issued
in respect of contraventions, resulting in fines amounting to £185.
During the year, managers of two houses appealed to the County Court in respect
of the requirements of the notices, one appeal being upheld and the other dismissed.
Directions to prevent or reduce overcrowding were served in 12 instances under
Section 19 of the Housing Act 1961. Summonses numbering 8 were issued for contravention
of the Direction, resulting in fines amounting to £155 being imposed.
Owing to the constant change of management of houses in multiple occupation,
notices frequently have to be re-served thus causing a prolonged delay in getting
repairs and fire precautions work carried out and overcrowding abated.
Standard and Improvement Grants
Nine premises were inspected regarding applications made to the Council for
standard or improvement grants.
Qualification Certificates
The Housing Act 1969, provides for the conversion from rent control to rent
regulation of dwellings which satisfy qualifying conditions. Where a house which
is subject to a controlled tenancy is in good repair and is provided with the
standard amenities, a qualification certificate is issued to the owner which enables
him to apply to the rent officer for a fair rent to be registered. During the year
74 such applications were received, and 10 approved.
Applications for Rehousing
At the end of the year, there were 6,269 applications for rehousing on the
Council's waiting list, 676 less than last year. Tenants of Counci1 dwellings who have
applied for transfer to larger or smaller accommodation number 1,372 an increase
of 542 since last year.
Preferential Housing on Health Grounds
Applications for preferential housing on health grounds investigated during
the year numbered 522. An 'urgent' assessment was granted in 53 cases and balancing
points were awarded in a further 158. Tenant transfer was supported in the case of 165
tenants of Council dwellings.
New Housing
During the year 1,670 new permanent dwellings were completed in the borough;
60