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Houses in Multiple Occupation
At the end of the year, 688 houses had been ascertained to be let in lodgings or occupied
by members of more than one family.
In 13 further cases where excessive numbers of persons were being accommodated,
Notices under Section 90 of the Housing Act, 1957, were served, fixing the maximum number
of persons who could occupy the individual rooms of the premises concerned. In one case,
legal proceedings were taken for contravention of such a Notice and a fine of £20 was
imposed.
Towards the end of the year, the Council adopted the policy of giving a Direction under
Section 19 of the Housing Act, 1961, to each house in multiple occupation, fixing the
highest number of individuals who can live there. Directions are made in all cases regardless
as to whether or not there is a state of overcrowding.
Thirty-two Directions were made by the end of the year and 45 Notices of Intention
to make a Direction were served.
Under the new legislation, it will be compulsory shortly for owners of houses let in
multiple occupation to register with the local authority. This is a long-awaited piece of
useful legislation.
Middlesex County Council Act, 1944—Section 345
The caravan site at the junction of Regina Road and Pluckington Place continued to be
used as the winter quarters of a member of the Showmen's Guild.
New Housing