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HOUSING
Action under the Housing Act, 1957, to deal with unfit houses continued throughout
the year.
Amendments to the housing legislation were made by the Housing Act, 1961, which
came into operation on the 24th November. 1961. Apart from the alterations in the
provisions as to Government Subsidy in respect of housing accommodation provided by
local authorities, the most noteworthy part of the Act is that relating to houses in
multiple occupation. Some amendment is also made to the provisions relating to
standard grants for improvements, but there is still no power for the local authority
to require the installation of the additional amenities.
In November the Council decided to support the resolution of the Association of
Public Health Inspectors requesting the introduction of legislation empowering local
authorities to enforce the improvement of houses, so as to satisfy modern standards of
of comfort and convenience, and giving statutory recognition to an improved standard
of fitness.
Unfit Houses
During the year official representations were submitted in respect of areas
comprising 205 unfit houses. 162 of the houses were in areas in the north of the
borough between King's Road and Whitehall Street. The redevelopment of the area will
form the second phase of the White Hart Lane scheme. The other houses were in Tewkesbury
Road and Seven Sisters Road and, apart from a small pocket in the north-east corner,
forms the final phase of the redevelopment of the Tewkesbury estate.