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21
Improvement Grants
The Housing Act, 1919, as amended by the 1954 Act, provides
for grants to be made by the local authority up to 50% (with a
maximum of £400) of the cost of converting larger houses into
flats or improving older houses which lack modern amenities, e.g.,
running hot water, bathroom, internal or otherwise readily accessible
W.C., etc. The cost of repairs, except those necessary to
eliminate inherent structural defects, is not eligible for grant.
During the year 11 enquiries were made in respect of improvement
grants. Five definite applications were considered by the
Council. Two applications were approved; three were refused,
two because the work proposed was not considered to come within
the scope of "improvement" and one because the property was
not considered likely to provide satisfactory housing accommodation
for the requisite period.
The majority of enquiries is in respect of premises occupied
by the owner.
Tents, Vans and Sheds
A site in respect of which a licence was refused, because of
inadequate accommodation and drainage facilities, continued to be
used for one caravan. Legal proceedings .were instituted against
the person controlling the land and a fine of £2 imposed. The
occupants of the van pleaded their inability to find alternative
accommodation.
The removal of the van from the site was not accomplished
until further proceedings had been taken.
National Assistance Act, 1948
Section 47.
Several cases of elderly people who were unable to look after
themselves and were without proper care and attention were
brought to the notice of the Department. In all cases the voluntary
agreement of the person was eventually obtained and removal
arranged through the County Welfare Department.
Section 50.
The only corpse to be buried under the provisions of this
Section was that of an unknown female child (5 hours old)
murdered and found on a footpath in the Borough.
Laundry Service for the Incontinent Aged
This service, inaugurated in December, 1953, and operated
under the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936, Section 84,
continues to meet a real need in the home at a time when help is