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27
Houses in Multiple Occupation
The problems particularly arising from the multiple occupation of houses continue to give rise for
concern. These are over occupation, inadequate amenities and inadequate means of escape in case of fire.
The problem of over-occupation is one beyond the immediate ability and resources of the Local
Authority to solve. It is only possible to ameliorate sub-standard conditions by improving the amenities and
safety factors and by bringing houses into a more satisfactory state of repair. It must be accepted that with
the continued shortage of accommodation and high capital and interest costs of housing, multiple occupation
will be with us for many years and for those living in unsatisfactory conditions, the worst aspects of overcrowding
must be alleviated by the limitation of numbers of households and persons.
In order to obtain a more effective control of houses in multiple occupation in the Borough, the
Council introduced the London Borough of Brent (Registration of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Informatory
and Regulatory Scheme 1972. The scheme became effective from the 1st March 1972. Under the Informatory
part of the scheme, all existing houses within the Borough other than houses controlled or owned by the
Borough or Greater London Council, which were occupied by more than two households or one household
and four persons, were and are required to be registered. Under the Regulatory part of the scheme it is necessary
for application to be made to the Council before a house may be occupied by more persons or households
than previously registered or if it is proposed that a house is to become a house in multiple occupation for
the first time in accordance with the scheme.
The attention of owners, agents, solicitors and other interested persons was drawn to the provisions
of the scheme by letter, posters and advertisements. By the 31st; December 1972 a total of 1,034 applications
for registration had been received, 473 had been visited under the Informatory part of the scheme. In addition,
6 applications under Part II were received.
In due course every property in multiple occupation will be required to conform to a minimum standard
of services and facilities in accordance with a Code of Practice adopted by the Council which is supplied
to all interested persons. A Management Order under Section 14 was made in respect of a property in Kilburn,
N.W.6.
Overcrowding
The extent of overcrowding illegally or statutorily is not known and is not static. However the
extent of the problem may be indicated by the fact that there were 950 applicants registered on the housing
list in December 1972 who were statutorily overcrowded. From time to time action is taken by flagrant breaches
of the provisions of the Act being brought to the notice of the Department.
Housing on Medical Grounds
Each medical certificate and all medical evidence provided in support of an application for rehousing
is submitted for assessment, and points may be granted up to a maximum of 5 in respect of a medical claim.
The medical part of the evidence is carefully examined and, in order to achieve uniformity, the whole of these
assessments are made by one individual Officer. It is quite possible for the Medical Officer to recommend a
separate bedroom if requisite and in the case of exceptionally severe illness a recommendation may be made
that the case is brought to the immediate attention of the Committee.
During the year, 1,960 cases were considered and awarded points, where appropriate, on medical
grounds. In addition 205 applications for transfer on medical grounds were dealt with.