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c) Underground Rooms
New regulations for the London Borough, made in 1965, were confirmed by the
Minister of Housing and Local Government in 1966. The following action was
taken during the year in respect of underground rooms at the premises listed:-
83 Church Road, W.3 (Basement) Closing Order made and tenant rehoused.
Premises later made fit and Order
determined except in respect of one
room approved for storage.
11a Hardwicke Road, W.4 Closing Order made and tenant
(Basement) rehoused.
55 Mount Avenue, W.5. Premises made fit and Closing Order
(Basement) made in 1956 fully determined.
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
The powers available to the Council for use i n connection with houses in
multiple occupation are as follows:-
1) Housing Act, 1957, Section 90, Abatement of Overcrowding.
This empowers the Council to prosecute when the 'permitted number' for a
house or part of a house in multiple occupation is exceeded. The legal standari
is laid down in Section 77, and in the 6th Schedule of the Act, and it is
related to the number of available living rooms and bedrooms, and their
respective floor areas. The number of persons permitted is calculated in terms
of equivalent adults, children under one year being disregarded, and children
between 1 and 10 years counted as half an equivalent adult.
2) Housing Act, 1961, Section 19 - Directions.
Under this Section the Council may give a Direction limiting the number of
individuals, who in the Council's opinion should occupy a house in multiple
occupation. A Direction does not require the surplus occupants to leave
immediately but it is an offence to allow further individuals to take up
residence, or to replace any who leave, until the number has been reduced to
below that fixed by the Direction.
3) Housing Act, 1961, Sections 15 and 16 (Improvement to Amenities and means
of escape from fire)
Under Section 15 certain additional facilities may be required to be provided
in houses in multiple occupation according to the Council's standards. The
improved amenities include ventilation, water supply, sanitary conveniences,
and facilities for storage of food.
Under Section 16 improvements of means of escape from fire can be required,
the code of practice followed being that laid down by the Greater London
Council.
4) Housing Acts, 1961 and 1964, Registration Schemes
Local Authorities may submit schemes for the registration of houses in
multiple occupation for the approval of the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government.
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