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31
(9) Decisions to cancel in spite of tenants objections 0 (2)
(10) Certificates cancelled by Local Authority 5 (21)
As will be seen from the figures in parentheses the work has
shown some decrease during the year.
Improvement Grants.
My advice has been submitted to the Council in 71 instances during
the year.
Re-Housing—Medical Aspects.
My advice was sought during the year on some 122 housing applications
respecting which medical recommendations for priority had been
submitted by hospitals or private practitioners.
The trend in priority in re-housing on medical grounds appears to
be turning somewhat towards one type of accommodation being preferable
rather than another. Notably is this the case where applicants are
recommended for ground floor accommodation. Although it is clearly
important on medical grounds that each applicant should enjoy the
accommodation best suited for his particular circumstances the fact
remains that initially it is even more important that the accommodation
should be adequate rather than it should be practically perfect. Lack
of basic space and amenities present a problem which for a time will,
I consider, have to take precedence of lack of just that particular type
of housing accommodation which an individual might naturally desire.
Overcrowding.
A very limited amount of overcrowding has been ascertained and
dealt with.
Although no special survey has been undertaken to determine
exactly the extent of the overcrowding which exists in the District, no
opportunity is lost of making use of routine visits to ascertain at least
a sample of the general situation. It is necessary that a vigilant eye
should be kept on the general position since apart from what might
be termed natural and family overcrowding, there is clearly a danger
that overcrowding of a more serious nature may arise. This is especially
the case where multi-family occupancy of houses tends to arise.
Caravans.
The provisions of the new Act are being pursued with all vigour.
One or two of our open spaces have now been fenced in with the
result that this problem has now been obviated.
It cannot, however, be said that the Lake Avenue site problem
has yet so far as one can see been solved. Looking back on events one
would not have believed it was possible for this site to have persisted
for so long in spite of the efforts made to secure its removal.
Land Charges Enquiries.
During the year 3,933 land charges enquiries were referred to the
Department regarding the question of outstanding sanitary notices and/or
certificates of disrepair.
This is one of the routine unpublicised but time-consuming occupations
of the department.