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In addition to the above, 3 individual dwelling houses were represented
to the Council as unfit for human habitation. Undertakings not to relet
premises upon the tenants being rehoused were received in two of these cases.
Two Compulsory Purchase Orders comprising unfit houses were confirmed
by the Minister without modification, no objections to the Orders having been
received.
On the 5th May 1969 a Public Enquiry was held to determine one outstanding
objection to the Gascoigne Road (No. 7) Compulsory Purchase Order which
included 6l unfit dwellings.
The Order was subsequently confirmed by the Minister without modification.
Rent Act, 1957
10 Applications were received from tenants during the year. In no case
did the Council refuse to issue a Certificate of Disrepair. Undertakings to
do the work were given by landlords in respect of seven properties. Two
Certificates of Disrepair were issued and one objection was received from a
tenant to the Cancellation of the Certificate of Disrepair.
As in past years, advice was given to tenants and they were able to
obtain the necessary forms at the Civic Centre.
Housing Act, 1969
Between the end of August and 31st December applications for Qualification
Certificates under the provisions of this Act numbered 93»
Upon receipt of an application a detailed inspection of the dwelling is
carried out by the public health inspector when all defects, having regard to
the 'Age, Character and Locality' of the dwelling, are noted, together with
lacking amenities.
In the 93 cases investigated only three houses were found to qualify
which is a disappointingly low number reflecting the lack of regular
maintenance throughout the years.
Improvement and Conversion Grants
During August the eagerly awaited Housing Act, 1969 came into operation.
This Act made important changes in the law relating to Improvement Grants.
The greatest impact stemmed from the vastly increased grants maxima,
together with the important extension of grant aid to cover, in many cases,
repair.
The emphasis in the new grant system was greater flexibility and
discretion aimed at encouraging more people to improve their houses. Persuasion
was paramount and, especially in Improvement Areas, generosity when assessing
an applicant's proposals could encourage other owners to follow the lead of
the first few.
Before the Act came into operation suitable areas were defined and a
comprehensive Improvement Programme was submitted to and adopted by the
Council. This programme included both privately owned and municipal estates
and detailed surveys of properties in two pilot schemes, one private and one
corporation, were commenced.
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