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66
Alternative Methods of Disposal.
Such properties present particular difficulties to the Council
since, owing to the economic factors indicated earlier, the only proper
action which could be taken under the Housing Act, 1936 would be
either demolition or closure with the consequent problem of re-housing
the occupants.
An alternative procedure would be for the Council to exercise
its purchasing powers under the Housing Acts, 1936/49 by buying
the property and carrying out works of renovation and maintenance.
We realise that the Council may be reluctant to take this step
to acquire financially unprofitable investments, but in our view
the health and future well-being of the occupants are the paramount
factors.
It is also realised that the difficulties associated with the
maintenance of existing houses are not confined to the private
owner, as many local authorities have found to their cost in dealing
with the old houses requisitioned by them during the war period;
but, with the extreme shortage of houses and the consequent need
for conserving our already meagre supply, all aspects of each case
should be considered carefully before such an offer is rejected.
Factors to be considered.
(a) First and foremost, the re-housing problem that would
arise in the event of the house being demolished.
(b) Is the type and structural condition of the house such as
would justify a recommendation under Part II of the
Housing Act, 1949 for financial assistance by Exchequer
grant towards the cost of works for conversion and/or
improvement carried out by the local authority or the
owner ?
(c) Are the circumstances such as would justify a loan by the
local authority to the owner under Section 4 of the Housing
Act, 1949 ? If so, would such a loan be acceptable by the
owner to enable him to fulfil his statutory obligations in
carrying out essential repairs ?
(d) If items of disrepair were made good without any additional
improvements, would the house so repaired compare
favourably with the general standard of housing accommodation
in the district, having regard to the type and
condition of other properties ?