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Thus houses which at the date of the survey would rank as unfit
and not repairable at a reasonable cost have now been removed from
this category. Also many houses which were in this category have
been occupied by their owners, who in some cases have carried out
extensive repairs and modernisation.
As I mentioned in the body of the report, although this programme
may now be considered to be completed, houses which will fall into
the category of suitable for demolition or closing will undoubtedly
be found and reports made to the Committee from time to time.
The Housing Act, 1961, which came into force during the last
months of 1961 gave Council's considerable additional powers for
dealing with houses let in multiple occupation. These houses are in
some areas a very serious problem, but in this area are luckily very
few. However, a few notices under the new Act have been served.
The procedure under this Act is extremely lengthy and complicated,
but it does give a local authority the power to at least see that reasonable
conditions are provided for those persons who live in these
houses, sometimes paying high rents.
In August, 1962, the Minister of Housing and Local Government
issued a circular dealing with the Improvement of Houses in which
he requested Councils to persuade owners of property to take advantage
of the grants available for the improvement of houses and the
provision of amenities. The Council decided to implement the
circular. In this area there are many small houses built in the early
1900s which are very soundly constructed, but like most property of
that type and period lack modern amenities and are properties which
would without doubt gain considerable benefit by these grants. The
Public Health Department will be making visits to certain of these
premises in an attempt to persuade the owners to take advantage of
these grants, but in many cases it will be difficult to persuade the
owners, particularly among the middle-aged and elderly owner/
occupiers, many of whom have lived without what are now considered
to be essential amenities all their lives.
In conclusion I would express my thanks to every member of the
Public Health Department, with particular reference to my Deputy,
Mr. Smith, who has given me every support during the year. Also to
the clerical staff who until the appointment of an additional Clerk/
typist were at times practically overwhelmed with the volume of work
but managed to keep the office functioning efficiently.
I also wish to thank all other Officers of the Council for their assistance
and co-operation.
W. K. Pickup,
Chief Public Health Inspector.
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