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Overcrowding.
At the beginning of the year there were three known cases
of overcrowding. During the year 15 new cases were discovered.
In four of the new cases an offence under Section 78 of
the Housing Act, 1957 was committed end the Council decided to
take action against the owners concerned unless the overcrowding
was abated within fourteen days. In each instance Commonwealth
immigrants were involved.
Legal action was not necessary as in each case abatement
of the overcrowding took place within the specified time.
The average number of occupants for each inhabited house in
the district was 3.30 slightly less than last year, and the
lowest figure since 1938.
Houses in Multiple Occupation.
A combination of prompt action by the Clerk and Solicitor
under Planning Law and the Public Health Department under the
Housing Act, 1961, has kept this symptom of the housing shortage
under control. Seven new cases were reported for action and in
five of these notices were served under Section 15 of the Housing
Act, 1961, requiring the provision of additional amenities in
accordance with the Standards adopted by the Council last year.
These notices usually produce a reduction in the number of
occupants of the houses or sometimes the person in control
decides to sell up and leave the district, no doubt in the
certain knowledge that he will find a district where life is a
little easier for him and bis business can be carried on with
less official interference.
As Commonwealth immigrants are often involved in multiple
occupation it is a considerable advantage that a member of the
clerical staff of the Department can speak both of the principal
languages of the Indian sub-continent.
Certificates of Disrepair.
The following action was taken under the Rent Act, 1957,
in connection with Certificates of Disrepair:-
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