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14
SECTION 'D' —HOUSING
The effect of the introduction of the Rent Act 1957 on the
standard of maintenance of rented property was quite noticeable.
Owing to the publicity surrounding such a controversial measure most
tenants were aware of the procedure for securing the execution of
repairs and the abatement of rent. The number of applications for
Certificates of Disrepair was relatively small, and the total for the
whole year did not exceed the number applied for in the four months
of 1957 after the Act was passed. The figures for the current year
show an almost complete falling off in applications. This illustrates
that tenants are generally most reluctant to operate the provisions of
the law, designed for their protection, unless spurred on by publicity
and agitation.
A considerable amount of decontrol is being effected by the
vacation of properties, either as a result of death or removal of tenants.
Even poor type obsolete houses are being reconditioned and sold for
owner/occupation. Quite clearly the stock of rented property is being
substantially reduced, and one of the objects of the Act i.e. to improve
the supply and standard of rented property, is not being fulfilled in
this area.
The situation in respect of the enforcement of repairs has improved.
Where difficulty is experienced in getting repairs done the
reason is usually lack of ready cash, unco-operative tenants, or sheer
reluctance on the part of landlords to pay heavy bills for repairs. The
cost of repairs, particularly to older property, with low rateable values
and therefore low rents, is still prohibitive.
The Council's policy of not paying Improvement Grants except
in certain restricted circumstances, has again meant that no rented
properties have been "improved" up to the standard for "satisfactory"
houses. It will be interesting to see what use is made of the new
Standard Grants scheme whereby amenities such as hot water supply,
baths and washbasins, internal water closets and foodstores. can now
be provided, with half the cost being paid for out of public funds.
There has been considerable delay in dealing with the Stanton
Road Clearance Area, owing to the intransigence of the owners in
coming to a settlement for the acquisition of the property. Meanwhile
the conditions under which the unfortunate tenants exist deteriorate
still further, with the Council more or less powerless to insist on even
emergency repairs. Legislation should be available to enable urgent
stop gap repairs to be carried out to condemned property while ever
it remains occupied.
Most of the properties listed to be dealt with in the programme
for dealing with unfit dwellings have now been considered, and it is
expected that the target will be reached when the five year period ends
in December 1960.