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The aim of the survey was to -
(a) assess housing conditions in some detail. To achieve this objective, dwellings of
the same age, layout and construction were numbered into groups of 4 or 5. An external
inspection was made of every dwelling and access was gained to at least one dwelling in
each group and an internal inspection was carried out and information gained as to tenure,
general condition and to the extent of facilities provided.
(b) to assess the feasibility and justification for including any area in a redevelopment
programme.
(c) to provide a basis for making specific recommendations as to future action within
the framework of future housing policies.
The results of the surveys provide a basis for reviewing the Council's overall strategy
for dealing with the Borough's older housing stock and to determine not only the extent and
rate of its programme of replacement of the poorest housing, but also whether any additional
areas justify treatment as general improvement areas.
Such was the importance attached to the commencement of these surveys that staff
had to be temporarily seconded from the general duties division of the Inspectorate, despite
the already severe shortage of qua lified staff avai I able. Some 2,156 dwel I ings in six areas
were surveyed during the year.
The results of two such surveys were reported to the responsible Committee during
the year when it was decided that the information available justified phased redevelopment
in one area and general improvement in the other.
Offices, Shops
& Railway
Premises Act,
1963
As could be expected during the 8th year of the operation of the Act compliance by
employers and enforcement by the Public Health Inspectorate are now integrated within the
framework of all similarly inter-related statutes etc., concerned with environmental health,
welfare, hygiene and public protection.
The specialised attention given to registration and initial inspections during the
formative years of the new Act is not now necessary but a constant review of the changing
pattern of business use and occupancy of premises is essential and has been maintained so
far as other staff duties could permit.
Probably the most important change which has occurred is the availability of records
from other departments of the Council. The Inspectorate have taken full advantage of the
Land Use Survey Register which has recently been compiled and computerised print-outs now
form the basis of the Offices, Shops & Railway Premises Act records classified according to
business use. The advantages of using this system are two-fold since there is a continual
up-dating of records as revisits are carried out and a feed-back channel of information has
been established to update the computer.
Many employers are now aware of the legislation and it is interesting to note that in
a number of cases during the year, advice was sought by intending employers prior to the
setting up of new businesses and that co-operation between the various departments of the
Council has resulted in mutual consultation before plans are finally agreed. It is also a
surprising feature that employers (in spite of the fact that an Abstract of the Act is required
by law to be permanently and prominently displayed on business premises) often telephone
this Department for advice on details which are literally at their own elbow.
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