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bath in a bathroom, wash-hand basin, hot water supply, water closet if, reasonably
practicable in the dwelling, and satisfactory facilities for storing food). The "standard"
grant conditions are designed to provide as simple a procedure as possible.
Applicants are always encouraged to make preliminary enquiries before any expense
is incurred. During the year many enquiries were received; in several cases the improvements
desired were not eligible for grant. Seven applications for standard grants
and seven for discretionary grants were approved. All the applications were from
owner/occupiers. One application was deferred as the prices submitted were considered
to be too high; the applicant was requested to obtain further tenders.
During the annual routine inspection of houses where grants have been paid it was
found in one case that the food cupboard had been removed; this was reinstated.
In an effort to increase the number of applications for improvement the Minister has
suggested that local authorities should tackle the problem street by street. The Council
have agreed the area in which this work should commence; subject to staff being available,
arrangements are being made to canvass all the houses in a particular street which
are eligible for improvement and discuss the scheme with the occupiers and owners.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
The service of statutory notices was authorised in respect of three houses. In two
houses the additional facilities were provided; in another enforcement was deferred on
account of the illness in hospital of one of the tenants.
In one of the houses, in addition to the enforcement of the provision of additional
facilities, legal proceedings were taken and a fine of £5. 5. o. imposed for overcrowding
(letting to an adult female a single room with a floor area of less than 50 sq. ft.).
There are no common lodging houses in the Borough.
Tents, Vans and Sheds
Gypsies still continue to pull their vans on to the few remaining vacant sites in the
Borough in an effort to spend at least a few days in the area. During the year inspectors
paid 153 visits to various sites in connection with this work.
An application under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, i960 has
been received in respect of a site (14 vans) which has been in existence for many years.
The site is being run down and at the end of the year only two vans remained in
occupation.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948
Section 47
The surveillance of persons who are unable properly to care for themselves receives
the constant attention of all members of the department. The various services operated
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