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HOUSING
The constant influx of commonwealth immigrants into the borough still demands
vigilance in respect of overcrowding and multiple occupation of dwellings.
Slum Clearance
During the year 4 Clearance areas were represented, involving 168 houses. Three
Public Inquiries were held and 4 Orders confirmed.
The whole of the borough was surveyed to check the condition of the properties
and the 1971-75 programme compiled. Towards the end of the year the Greater London
Council agreed the programme and the allocation between the Councils was finalised.
When this survey was being carried out it was necessary to bear in mind the wishes of
the Government fol1qwing the Housing Act, 1969, regarding "improvement conversions".
Councils are urged to save as many houses as possible by inf1uencing owners arid agents
to take advantage of the various types of grants. This means that each house must be
considered in the light of the Government's wishes and causes more work at the time
of representation of areas.
Underground Rooms
The closure of basement rooms continued throughout the year, 49 such rooms in
21 premises being closed.
Closing and Demolition Orders
During the year Closing Orders were made in respect of 8 houses which were unfit
for human habitation, and 3 premises were the subjects of Closing Orders on parts of
the premises, amounting to 8 rooms. Undertakings not to relet were accepted in respect
of two houses and six other rooms. A Demolition Order was made on one house.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Tower Hamlets (Registration of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Informatory
and Regulatory Scheme 1971
The above-mentioned scheme came into force on the 1st January, 1971. Its purpose
is to provide a register of certain houses in multiple occupation, to control overcrowding
and to encourage landlords to instal essential facilities.
Many landlords fai1edtoregister on the appointed date, and failure to register
new houses in multiple occupation is still occurring.
It is regretted that the Scheme has its failings, one of which is that occupants
who are al1 owed to take up residence without registration cannot be forced to move out
and thus, the landlord profits by his offence. This practice is on the increase.
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