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5.1 HOUSING
The pattern of the Public Health Inspectors interest in housing in 1972 followed that
which has been so familiar for many years.
5.2 INSPECTION AND ACTION UNDER STATUTORY POWERS
More than 6,000 visits were paid during the year to houses in the Borough in connection
with the Authority's responsibilities under the Public Health and Housing Acts,
5.3 FORMAL ACTION UNDER THE HOUSING AND PUBLIC HEALTH ACTS
110 formal notices were served in accordance with this legislation. Three houses were
demolished in a clearance area made in 1971 and one closing order was made during
the year. Details of the notices served are set out in appendix 5.a.
5.4 QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATES - HOUSING ACT 1969
During 1972, 135 applications for Qualification Certificates were made. 142 certificates
were issued and 26 provisional certificates. Defects found at 99 premises surveyed were
remedied and in 75 cases applications were refused.
5.5 HOUSE IMPROVEMENT
1972 was the year of the London House Improvement Campaign. Public Health Inspectors
participated in the exhibition that was held in Sutton. The inspectorate is particularly
interested in applications where support is sought for the provision of additional
accommodation. It is also concerned with the standard of the repair of properties where
improvement grant applications are made and the assessment of the expectation of life of
such houses.
It is particularly disappointing that in 1972, although the London Borough of Sutton can
enforce a reasonable standard of repair of tenanted property in the private sector, except
in those cases where the tenants make specific application, the Local Authority is unable
to ensure that basic amenities are available. The planned drawing which forms the frontage
sheet of this section of the report indicates a small terraced house which, if it is in a good
state of repair, must be regarded as a fit property under housing legislation although it
lacks, amongst other things
1. Internal w.c.
2. A bath or shower
3. A hot water supply
4. Adequate means of heating
5. Artificial lighting
6. Power points
7. Wash hand basin
8. A draining board to the sink
9. A kitchen of adequate size
Despite all the publicity which has been given to house improvement and letters that have
been sent to owners following inspections throughout the Borough, there are still a number
of properties lacking one or more of these amenities.
5.6 HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
129 houses to which the houses in multiple occupation regulations apply were inspected
during 1972. Although in many parts of London property let in this manner gives rise to
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