View report page

PART III. HOUSING.
A survey of all the old houses in the district, i.e., those constructed
before 1919, was commenced in 1953, and substantially
completed during the year under review. The information disclosed
by the survey showed that approximately 120 houses were incapable
of being rendered fit and should be demolished or closed.
Early in 1954 I reported to the Council on this matter and it was
agreed that an immediate start should be made on the clearance
of these dwellings and that the remainder should be dealt with
within the next five years. The 1954 programme consisted of a
Clearance Area comprising 15 houses, 10 Demolition Orders and
2 Closing Orders.
Inspection of Houses during the year.
1. (a) Total number of dwelling houses inspected for
housing defects (under Public Health or Housing
Acts) 720
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 2,247
2. (a) Number of dwelling houses which were inspected
and recorded under the Housing Consolidated
Regulations, 1925 and 1932 363
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 467
3. Number of dwelling houses found to be in a state so
dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human
habitation 14
4. Number of dwelling houses (exclusive of those referred
to under the preceding sub-head) found not to be in all
respects reasonably fit for human habitation .. 385
Remedy of Defects, etc., during the year without the service of
of Formal Notices.
(a) Number of dwelling houses rendered fit in consequence
of information action by the Local Authority or their
Officers 312
(b) Number of dwellings in respect of which voluntary
undertakings not to re-let on termination of present
tenancy were given
(c) Number of unfit dwellings closed in pursuance of
voluntary undertakings .. .. ... .. .. —
(d) Number of unfit dwellings demolished voluntarily .. 3
Action under Statutory Powers during the year.
1. Proceedings under Sections 9, 10 and 16 of the Housing
Act, 1936 :
(a) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which
notices were served requiring repairs
(b) Number of dwelling houses which were rendered fit
after service of formal notices:
(i) by owners
(ii) by Local Authority in default of owners
20