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46
Rent Act, 1957
This Act provides, amongst other things, for the issue by the
Council of certificates of disrepair to tenants of controlled dwelling
houses which are considered to be in disrepair by reason of defects
which ought reasonably to be remedied, having regard to the age,
character and locality of the dwelling. There is also provision for
the issue, by landlords, of undertakings to remedy such defects.
The following is a summary of action taken in this connection
during the year:—
Applications for certificates of disrepair received 2
Certificates of disrepair issued 1
Undertakings received from landlords 1
Applications for cancellation of certificates of disrepair
received Nil
Housing accommodation applications
Applications made to the Council are normally dealt with by
the Housing Manager who refers to me those cases in which the
application is based wholly or partly on health grounds. These
cases include applications for transfer from Council tenants. Any
case involving some special feature concerning the Health Department
(e.g. fitness of basement rooms) is also referred to me.
During the year, 730 applications were considered for eligibility
for additional points on health grounds in accordance with
the Council's points scheme. A further 832 recommendations were
made in respect of Council tenants who requested transfer to more
suitable alternative accommodation on health grounds. The procedure
whereby applicants for rehousing were advised, where
appropriate, to ask their family doctors for medical certificates
in support of their applications has not proved satisfactory and,
following discussions with the Housing Manager and the Inner
London Local Medical Committee, this system was changed in
August 1971. The new arrangements provide that applicants for
rehousing now state on the application form any medical reasons
which may warrant priority in rehousing and also give authority
for an approach to the family doctor for detailed information.
Such forms are then submitted to me for assessment and enquiries
made of the doctors concerned by this department where further
information is needed. This procedure not only eases the demands
on the family doctors for certificates in support of rehousing, but
also ensures the availability of more detailed information in those
cases where further investigation is indicated.