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In 97 cases, intimation notices were served calling for the provision of a supply
of water to the upper storeys of tenement houses, as required by Section 78 of the
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1907.
The supply was provided, after the receipt of the intimation notice, in 76
instances. In the remaining 21, it was found necessary to serve a statutory notice.
Following the receipt of this, the work was done, and in no case was it necessary to
apply for a summons against the owner.
Water Supply Cut Off.— The Metropolitan Water Board reported, in
accordance with the requirements of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, Section
49 (1), that the water supply had been cut off in 22 premises.
The reasons for discontinuing the supply were :—
Premises empty 8
Non-payment of Rates 7
Waste of Water 7
Cut off by request of Occupier —
22
No complaints with regard to the water supplied were received during the year.
HOUSING.
Representations and Orders.— The accompanying tabular statement contains
information with regard to closing and demolition orders made since 1910. During
1915 the proceedings in respect of the premises 9— 16 Montague Mews South were
completed. In the early part of the year the appeal of the Local Government
Board to the Courts for guidance as to whether or not the premises were as alleged
by the Council, back-to-back houses and being occupied by chauffeurs were inhabited
by members of the working classes was heard. The decision in effect was that
the Board would be justified in regarding the premises as back-to-back and the
tenants as members of the working classes. Having obtained this decision, and having
deliberated upon it for some months, the Local Government Board decided that the
appeal of the owner of the houses must be upheld, and by an Order in Council,
dated the 7th September, 1915, the closing orders were quashed.
Three representations were made in 1915 and closing orders were made in
respect of the premises, Nos. 5 and 6, Hardington Place, but were not served in
consequence of the owner having put the necessary work in hand to render them fit
for habitation.
With regard to 18, Crawford Place, no closing order was made, the owner
taking advantage of an opportunity offered by the committee to carry out certain
works.
There were no appeals under The Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1909,
during 1915.