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10
Although there are no areas in the district which can be considered
as requiring clearance procedure, there are a few small areas where
the property is old and of a very poor standard, and where the land
on which the property stands would be better used for more modern
and perhaps more numerous dwellings. On the other hand, of course,
these small areas help to reduce the overcrowding on space which is
noticeable in some parts of the Borough. The consideration of this
type of redevelopment, however, can only take place when the Council
is in a position to deal with the temporary rehousing of the displaced
residents.
A disturbing feature of the housing shortage has been the bringing
into use of various basement dwellings, which are not really fit for
habitation. These become known to the Department only when
applications are received for assistance in rehousing. Often the owners
themselves are unaware that these basements have been sub-let. Apart
from chronic dampness, lack of light and other defects, basement
dwellings, especially in the vicinity of the River Thames, are not
suitable for night time occupation.
It became necessary to review the question of procedure in enforcing
notices to repair against reluctant owners. Many of the older
properties, which are often poorly let to several families, cannot be
reconditioned to a really satisfactory standard at anything like a "reasonable
expense" within the meaning of the Act. With action under
Section 9, Housing Act, 1936, there is a snag in that there is a definite
understanding that the Council considers the house to be quite fit when
the specified works have been completed. Action in respect of this type
of property therefore must needs be taken under the old "nuisance
procedure" of the Public Health Acts. In some respects this procedure
is more salutary, involving, as it does, the issue of summonses
and a hearing in the Magistrates' Court, nevertheless, the time and
trouble taken to bring about a satisfactory conclusion is out of all
proportion to the needs of the case. Many months may elapse between
the issue of a notice and final completion of the work. Although there
is a comparatively rapid scheme of action for defective drainage and
sanitary fittings, there is no statutory provision for rapid action in
respect of such urgent items as leaking roofs, dangerous floors, Burst
water pipes, etc.
Unfortunately, in dealing with bad housing conditions in this
area, it is not only those houses which are in disrepair which call for
attention. A considerable number of families are living in sub-let
accommodation, both furnished and unfurnished, often in very congested
conditions. The proposed new Houses Let in Lodgings
Byelaws, which, it is hoped, will set a higher standard of accommodation,
have not been forthcoming. Even with a new legal standard,
considerable difficulty will be encountered in enforcement, as no doubt