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already existing in the Birmingham Corporation Act and elsewhere so that control of properties
was made possible before multi-occupation was introduced.
The interest shown by certain Housing Associations in properties within the Borough was
noted. Such organisations often provide highly acceptable accommodation at realistic rents by
the conversion of large old Victorian houses which would otherwise have only a limited life and
would tend to deteriorate rapidly as a result of neglect and over occupation. They could, with
encouragement, play a more important role under the leadership of the local authority in providing
improved housing conditions.
Clearance Areas
By the end of 1967 demolition of the three remaining properties contained within the East
Barnet Road Clearance Area had been completed.
Three clearance areas, involving a total of twenty properties were represented to the Council
under Part in of the Housing Act 1957. In The Burroughs, Hendon (six houses) and at Lodge
Lane, North Finchley (four houses) the properties were contained within larger areas for which
the Council had long term plans in respect of redevelopment and it was therefore agreed that
these should be linked with Compulsory Purchased Orders. At the end of the year none of the
Orders had been confirmed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Individual Unfit Houses
A total of twenty-two dwellings were reported as being unfit for human habitation and
incapable of repair at reasonable cost. Such property in the main consists of old houses
occupied by elderly tenants of long standing paying low controlled rents, which in fairness to
the landlords give no margin to undertake desirable improvements and little or none to
effectively halt the deterioration once it becomes clearly establi shed. In six cases the
making of Demolition Orders was appropriate but in the remaining sixteen instances as the
dwellings were attached to other properties it was necessary for the making of Closing Orders
to be considered.
In consequence of this action, together with that which had been commenced in previous
years, ten unfit houses were demolished and twenty-one others closed. Twenty-nine families
comprising in all a total of sixty-nine persons vacated unfit properties. In one instance an old
age pensioner living alone was accepted into a British Legion residential home, whilst in
another case the tenant's employers found the family suitable alternative accommodation. In
all other cases the tenants were rehoused by the Council. In three instances where the unfit
properties were close to the north western extremity of the Borough and some distance from the
nearest available accommodation owned by the Council, arrangements were made for the rehousing
to be undertaken on a reciprocal basis by the Elstree Rural District Council and the
Greater London Council who made suitable houses available to the tenants concerned.
Three Closing Orders made during previous years were determined. In each case in order
that the property could be accepted as having a reasonable future life, the owner agreed to
provide full standard amenities as part of the overall reconditioning.
In two cases where the making of Closing Orders had been proposed undertakings were
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