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Housing Act 1961 — Houses in Multiple Occupation
Although presenting no serious problem in the Borough, a number of houses which were
known to be in multiple occupation were visited to ensure that they complied with the provisions
of the Housing Acts. The Borough Engineer and Surveyor is responsible for ensuring that the
properties reach the required standard in so far as Means of Escape in Case of Fire is concerned
and these visits are normally carried out jointly by members of that department and the Public
Health Inspectorate. In some cases informal notices were served and these were generally complied
with.
The Council has adopted a Code of Practice setting out minimum standards to be achieved
in such premises and this code is drawn to the attention of owners whenever necessary.
Housing Act 1969 — Qualification Certificates
The Housing Act 1969 provides for properties which are fit for human habitation, in good
repair having regard to their age, character and locality and with the standard amenities to become
regulated tenancies within the meaning of the Rent Act 1968.
The Town Clerk receives all such applications but the technical work, inspections, etc.,
are carried out by the Public Health Inspectorate. The following figures are a guidance of the
work involved during the year.
Qualification Certificates issued 360
Applications refused or cancelled 126
Applications held in abeyance (at 31st Dec.1971)
pending negotiations with the owners, agents, etc. 20
Total applications received 506
In a number of cases Qualification Certificates have been issued after applications have
been held in abeyance to give the owner the opportunity of carrying out repairs considered
necessary to bring the house up to standard. In addition to the above, the following applications
were made in cases where the properties lacked the standard amenities but where the owners
intended providing the standard amenities.
Applications for Provisional Approval granted 108
Applications refused or cancelled 11
Total applications received 119
Dealing with these applications has involved a considerable amount of work. Well over 2,000
visits and inspections were carried out and consequently a considerable amount of administrative
work was also involved.
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