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paths and fences can give a most misleading impression as to the
structural condition of premises. When small houses are bought by
sitting tenants the improvement in general appearance and condition
is very marked. The trend for more individual house ownership should
lead to less work on housing repairs in the Department.
The exploitation of the housing situation by unscrupulous landlords
has not been very noticeable in this area, as far as instances
brought to the notice of the Department are concerned. Rents for new
lettings are being raised to much higher levels than was anticipated
when the rent Act was passed, but on the other hand properties are
being improved and maintained to a higher standard so that any problems
arising from these conditions are usually confined to disputes
about services and amenities. In a few cases only has it been necessary
to intervene to secure better arrangements in houses in multiple
occupation.
There are no registered common lodging houses in the Borough.
The Government scheme for the improvement of old houses has
again had very disappointing results and no applications were forthcoming
in respect of rented properties. The capital gains to be obtained
on securing vacant possession are so great that no landlord can be
expected to give a second thought to improving conditions for tenants
in this area. Even where approaches have been made by the Council
with an offer to help in organising a grants scheme for block treatment
no response has yet been forthcoming.
OVERCROWDING
The preliminary figures released on the Census 1961 do not show
any marked trends. The overcrowding figures are better than those
for some of the older centres of population in Surrey but a detailed
analysis cannot be given until the full reports on the Census are issued.
Meanwhile the Housing Committee give the usual priority to deserving
cases where overcrowding is evident.
SECTION 'E' — INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF
FOOD
Increased competition in the food distributive trades has again
encouraged individual traders to keep up their standards of goods,
premises and personal conduct. Members of the public have complained
less of the trivial and accidental contraventions and have
displayed a more balanced approach to food hygiene matters.
No prosecutions were necessary concerning the sale of food and
a good standard of inspection was maintained. Certain labelling
deficiencies were due more to a misunderstanding of the Regulations
rather than deliberate attempts to defraud.