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With regard to the former, it is true that the question of multiple
occupation of dwellings is not a problem here as it is in some parts of
London and other big cities, but it is reassuring to know that proper
standards of management can be insisted upon if occasion arises.
The raising of the permitted Rent Increase from 8 per cent to
\2i per cent for improvements has been the subject of much speculation.
The recognised improvements include such items as bathrooms,
hot water supply, wash-hand basins, ventilated food stores and water
closets. It is hoped, of course, that more landlords will be induced
by this increase to carry out these improvements and so raise the
general level of housing accommodation. I propose to comment on
the situation next year.
Housing Statistics for the year 1961.
Total number of valuation assessments, houses and flats, at 31st
December, 1961 24,733
(1) (a) Total number of dwelling houses inspected for defects (under
the Public Health or Housing Acts) 139
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 915
(2) Number of dwelling houses (included under sub-head (1) above)
which were inspected and recorded under the Housing Consolidated
Regulations, 1925 Nil
(3) Number of dwelling houses found to be in a state so dangerous
or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation 6
(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 65
Remedy of defects during the year without service of formal
notices: —
Number of defective dwelling houses rendered fit in consequence
of informal action by the Local Authority or their Officers 57
Moveable Dwellings.
Sixty-one visits were made to the various caravan sites, of which
there are approximately six. Only four of these are of any size and
in only one case has a permanent licence been granted. Two shortterm
licences were issued to coincide with the unexpired period of
planning consent. These will expire at 31st December, 1962.
At the sites, this department is concerned with the provision of a
pure and wholesome water supply, adequate sanitation, drainage and
washing facilities and the proper storage of refuse, and the recommended
standards of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government
have been adopted in full by the Council and applied as licence conditions
to ensure that a good standard of hygiene is maintained.