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51
Those premises found capable of repair at reasonable expense
were dealt with by the service of a detailed specification of works
of repair upon owners. This practice which has been systematically
carried out for many years has been proved to be beneficial
as the owners are in a position to obtain estimatess for the
necessary repairs without delay. In addition, they know the full
demands of the Local Authority and the standard of work required
to render the house fit for human habitation.
In very few instances only was it necessary to serve statutory
or formal notices to get the work done.
The Chief Sanitary Inspector when forwarding the preliminary
notice and specification of works invites the owners to meet him on
the property and settle any matter upon which the owner may
require advice or guidance. Reasonable time is given for the
execution of the work and in those cases where additional time is
required by the owner owing to financial or other difficulties, the
matter is reported to the Health Committee for a reasonable
extension of time.
Second Slum Clearance Programme and Housing Survey.
In spite of the fact that the Local Authority submitted the
first five years Housing Programme and Slum Clearance Scheme in
December, 1930, we had hardly got to grips with the work when
the Government decided to launch a further programme and Local
Authorities instead of being allowed to carry out their first scheme,
were compelled to amend their plans and housing programme by
submitting a further slum clearance scheme in October, 1933.
A further survey was called for and in addition to the 104 houses
previously scheduled a second schedule consisting of 83 dwellings
were included for survey and report under slum clearance or
individual unfit houses. Pressure is being brought upon Local
Authorities to carry out all works of slum clearance within the next
five years and it is likely that the second schedule will be extended
to include further properties.