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since early 1966 and the number fluctuates but usually remains between 15 and 20. Some
protective chestnut paling fencing has been erected to restrict the number of caravans gaining
access to this grass verge. Action is taken from time to time to deal with refuse accumulations and
rat infestations but the general conditions remain poor as can be expected where there is an
absence of basic necessities including hard-standings.
Each London Borough is required to make provision for those caravans stationed in or
resorting to their Borough up to a maximum of 15 unless they can show that no suitable land is
available for a permanent caravan site. Such a site provided and controlled by the local authority
should provide the means not only of dealing with the public health problems on unauthorised or
temporary sites but should also provide the stabilised situation that many caravan dwellers now
apparently seek. No permanent caravan site has yet been provided but efforts continued to be
made to obtain and provide a site.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT AREAS
The provisions contained in the Housing Act 1969 whereby a Council can declare certain
areas to be General Improvement Areas were given some preliminary consideration by the Officers
but due, to the pressure of other work under the Housing Act 1969, no full assessment of the
local need for generally improved areas was made during the year.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES
No premises in this Borough are known to be used as a common lodging house.
RENT ACT 1968
CERTIFICATES OF DISREPAIR, ETC.
The tenant of controlled' property may in certain circumstances apply to the local authority
for a Certificate of Disrepair. Failure by a landlord to give or carry out an undertaking involving
repairs considered necessary results in the issuing of a Certificate of Disrepair and a reduction in
rent whilst the premises remain in disrepair. The number of applications for Certificates of
Disrepair continued to decline. The following table shows the action taken on the applications
received during the year.
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