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69
be circumvented and existing conditions improved by vigilance
and wise direction exercised by sound training and unremitting
team work.
Housing:
The Housing Act 1969 resulted in important changes in
relation to the Department's work in connection with housing
which occupies one-third of the Inspectors' time and the policy of
dealing with areas of dwellings in need of improvement was
changed. In spite of the cumbersome procedures laid down for
the compulsory improvement of tenanted houses in suitable districts
under the Housing Act 1964 the area established on Bromley
Common had been a marked success. The system was replaced
by the conception of "General Improvement Areas." Here, again,
areas of older houses of sound structure but lacking in modern
amenities are selected. Every effort is made, through co-operation
with tenant and landlord, to encourage improvement with the aid
of suitable grants. In addition the Council would be responsible
for giving the environment around the houses a face lift. This
principle of Compulsory Improvement Areas was dropped although
compulsion still applies to individual buildings both inside
and outside General Improvement Areas where the tenant makes
the necessary request.
Late in 1970 Housing Act items which had previously been
dealt with by the Health Committee were transferred to the
Housing Committee and it was fitting that a report was submitted
to this Committee early in 1971 on General Improvement Areas.
Three such areas in Penge were considered and one was discarded
as being unsuitable after survey by the Inspectorate, South Penge
Park was eventually adjudged to be better dealt with by redevelopment
and in the third area, adjacent to Penge East Station, it was
later decided to set up the Authority's first General Improvement
Area.