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It is regretted that the Scheme has its failings, one of which is that
occupants who are allowed to take up residence without registration cannot be
forced to move out and thus, the landlord profits byhis offence. This practice
is on the increase.
Under the Scheme landlords who wi sh to increase the number of occupants must
obtain permission from the Council who can ask for facilities to be provided.
Where it is not possible to provide facilities,a Direction under Section 19
Housing Act 1961, is served on the landlord, but again many landlords are
deliberately ignoring the direction and are overcrowding their properties.
Although they are prosecuted the excess number of occupants cannot be ejected.
At the end of the year 1,244 houses were under surveillance.
During the year 7 premises were found to be deficient in means of escape in
the case of fire, and it was necessary to serve notices to remedy the deficiencies
Management Orders were made in respect of 29 premises and informal notices
to remedy conditions caused by neglect of management were served with regard to
108 houses. In 34 cases the conditions were rectified. Summonses served for
contraventions of the Management Regulations numbered 67, fines amounting to £513
being imposed.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding by immigrant landlords is still on the increase. Immigrant
males arrive in this country without their families, and having found accommodation
which in most cases consists of one or two rooms, arrange for their
families to join them and thus overcrowding occurs.
Notices in respect of overcrowding under the provisions of Section 90 of the
Housing Act 1957, were served in 4 instances. Visits in the 1ate evening continue
to be made to check that the notices are being complied with. 35 summonses were
issued in respect of contraventions, resulting in fines amounting to £540.
Directions to prevent or reduce overcrowding we re served in 72 instances under
Section 19 of the Housing Act 1961. Summonses numbering 8 were issued for contravention
of the Directions, resulting in fines amounting to £195 being imposed.
Owing to the constant change of management of houses in multip1e occupation,
notices frequently have to be re-served thus causing a pro longed del ay in getting
repairs and fire precautions work carried out and overcrowding abated.
Standard and Improvement Grants
64 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
regulations 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 33 such applications were received and 27 approved.
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