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With the exception of six houses, which remain to
be dealt with in the final phase of The Avenue redevelopment plan,
the Council's slum clearance programme under the Housing Act,
1957, has been completed. The original estimate which envisaged
the demolition of 76 houses has been added to as individual unfit
houses have come to light and no doubt further cases will be
revealed as surveys of housing conditions and routine inspections
proceed. The following action has been taken in giving effect
to the programme:-
Twelve Clearance Areas have been declared
involving the demolition of 83 houses.
Demolition Orders have been made in
respect of 6 houses.
Closing Orders have been made affecting 12 houses.
Undertakings that premises would not be
used for human habitation have been
accepted in respect of 3 houses.
Houses in multiple occupation
The Housing Act, 1961, contains provisions enabling
a local authority to require the person in control of a house
let in multiple occupation to provide adequate facilities to
meet the needs of the families or individuals accommodated. A
direction may also be made imposing a limit on the number of persons
who may occupy such premises having regard to the facilities available.
These powers were widened during the year by the
Housing Act, 1964, whereby a local authority is enabled to take
over the control of a multi-occupied house summarily if the
living conditions are so bad that immediate intervention is
considered necessary in order to protect the health, safety or
welfare of the residents.
Six instances of multiple occupation wore investigated
during the year bringing the total number of properties in the
district found to be so used to twenty-eight. Ten of these
are no longer occupied in this manner. With the exception of two
properties, where notices have not yet been complied with, the
remainder have been provided with the additional facilities
required.
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