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The powers in the 1964 Act are superseded by the provisions of the 1969 Act
but action taken on the five areas is to continue and a further two areas were made
by the Council during the year, the London Borough of Enfield Improvement Areas
Nos. 2A and 2B which are extensions to existing areas. In the seven areas the
following action was taken:
Number of Improvement Notices Served
Preliminary 219
Suspended 119
Immediate 71
Final 6
Default 29
A Preliminary Notice is served on the person having control of the dwelling,
specifying the works which in the opinion of the local authority are required for the
dwelling to be improved to the full standard with an estimate of the cost of carrying
out these works; and stating the date, place and time at which the future use of the
dwelling, the local authority's proposals, and the views and interests of the tenant,
and any other matters, may be discussed.
A Suspended Improvement Notice is served in cases where a tenant withholds
his consent to the improvement works being carried out. This Notice is valid for five
years from the date of the Order or until a change of tenancy.
An Immediate Improvement Notice is served when the tenant has given his
consent to the necessary works and allows the owner of the property a period of
twelve months within which to do the works.
A Final Notice is served following the service of a Suspended Notice, either
when the tenant agrees to the improvement of his dwelling or upon a change of
tenancy.
A Default Notice is served on the owner if the conditions of previous notices
have not been fulfilled and the works are then carried out in default.
By the end of the year 79 houses in these areas had been improved.
The Housing Act, 1964, also gave tenants of houses lacking any of the standard
amenities the right to require the owner to provide such amenities if the house has a
life expectancy of fifteen years or more. The Council may assist owners with loans
and grants in these circumstances.
Twelve representations were received from tenants and negotiations were
commenced with the owners of the properties concerned.
The Rent Act, 1957, has, amongst other objectives, the aim of enabling landlords,
by means of an increase of rent, to keep houses still the subject of rent control in a
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