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Briefly the new powers are: (l) to make good neglect of proper
standards of management; (2) to require the execution of works necessary
to provide minimum facilities and amenities; (3) to increase the
penalties for failure to abate overcrowding; (4.) to apply a direction
to a house in multiple occupation limiting the number of persons who
may live therein, and (5) to enable a local authority to carry out
works in default.
The administrative work necessary to implement the provisions of
this legislation is voluminous, and the time required to deal effectively
with premises is not less lengthy because of the rather complicated
procedure laid down and the right of persons affected to appeal
at every stage of the proceedings.
There are several thousand houses in multiple occupation, formerly
known as houses let in lodgings, in the Borough. (The definition of a
house in multiple occupation is one which is let in lodgings or occupied
by more than one family). The Council agreed with a recommendation
that, in the first instance attention be given to those premises
occupied by three or more families and that action under Section 90 of
the Housing Act, 1957, relating to overcrowding caused by single male
persons be taken against the owner/occupier of the premises. It was
also agreed that action requiring the provision of essential facilities
and amenities, such as sinks, baths, hot water supply, etc., be confined
to those premises which had an expectation of at least 15 years life.
A problem to be considered is the availability of labour, direct
or otherwise, to carry out the necessary works on behalf of the Council
in default of the person on whom notice is served. Another difficulty
arises in the rehousing of the overspill, whether temporary or permanent,
occasioned by the installation of these facilities.
The Act provides for specifications of works to be included in
notices served: because of the amount of work this involves and the
acute shortage of public health inspectors, the Council at the end of
the year appointed two officers, with practical building experience,
as Housing Assistants to draw up specifications and carry out inspections
under the supervision of the Public Health Inspector (Housing).
The Council also adopted a set of standards to be applied in
connection with the provision of additional services and facilities,
and agreed with the recommendation of the Minister that informal
approach be made, in the first instance, to persons owning or managing
these premises.
By the end of the year 222 houses had been inspected and detailed
reports submitted. Informal approach regarding the absence of proper
standards of management and the need for provision of essential facilities,
was made in respect of 21 premises; action was taken with regard
to overcrowding in 17 premises, and notices of intention to make management
orders were served in three instances. This work is now continuing
at a faster rate.
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