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storage, preparation and cooking of food and for the disposal of waste water, etc.; the
provision of proper means of escape from fire may be required when necessary.
A notice may be withdrawn if the number of occupants is reduced to a point
where the existing facilities are adequate.
The local authority is enabled to give a direction limiting the number of persons
who may occupy a house (or part of a house) in multiple occupation, and penalties
are laid down for failure to comply with such a direction.
After the 24th November, 1964, a local authority may make, subject to confirmation
by the Minister, a scheme authorising the compilation of a register of houses in
multiple occupation.
The continued influx of population into the London area is bound to have
repercussions in all urban areas, and many houses are being let in lodgings and owners
make little attempt to provide amenities or adequate facilities. Undoubtedly increasing
use will need to be made of the provisions to limit the risk of many houses
becoming overcrowded and under-equipped with reasonable facilities for the number
of households accommodated.
Eleven cases were dealt with during the year and in the main the Council's
requirements were satisfied; in 2 cases notice to quit by the owner was used to reduce
the number of occupants, a risk which must be accepted to achieve an adequate
standard for the remaining households.
Slum Clearance and Individual Unfit Houses
In continuance of the five-year 1961/1965 slum clearance programme under the
Housing Act, 1957, and in accordance with the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government Circular 2/60, the remaining 10 known unfit houses were dealt with.
In 3 cases, having regard to the structural stability of adjoining property, Closing
Orders were made whilst the remainder were subject to Demolition Orders. All the
tenants were rehoused by the Council.
Although to date 22 unfit houses have been designated and either closed or
demolished it is anticipated that as a result of routine inspections, further individual
unfit houses will come to light. It will be remembered that the original estimate
following the survey in 1960 was 30.
Improvement of Houses
The Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958, provides, inter alia, that a local
authority may (a) make advances for the purpose of acquiring houses and for altering,
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