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Apart from this pilot survey approaches have been made to two companies which are
each responsible for the management of a considerable number of rented properties
within the Borough which would rank for improvement grants. In one case there was a
plain statement that the return on expenditure was insufficient and nothing further has
been heard. In the second case, the owner of some of the properties expressed some
interest but is still considering the matter and to date nothing concrete has been
decided.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
A considerable amount of time has been given by the Department to problems
arising from the implementation of the provisions of the Housing Act, 1961. Some
results have been achieved but, owing to the circumstances mentioned below these are
comparatively snail in relation to the effort involved.
Initial visits by the Public Health Inspectors arise in the following ways (a)
on a systematic house to house basis in certain selected areas, (b) as a result of
complaints by occupiers, (c) because of information coming to the knowledge of the
Department during the course of visits to houses for other purposes and (d) following
up information obtained by other Departments.
Full details of these inspections are recorded and the premises registered so
that appropriate action can be taken to remedy any adverse conditions found and visits
can be paid from time to time to ensure that improvements are maintained.
A number of calls are often necessary to interview all occupiers and inspect their
accommodation. It is sometimes difficult to obtain information from tenants who are
apparently content with their accommodation although it may not comply with the
requirements of the Act, and who fear that they may be evicted if action is taken by
the Council. Information given in these circumstances by tenants may be suspected as
being untrue by the inspector but is almost impossible to refute. This, together with
the fact that in some houses the occupants change so frequently, makes it difficult to
obtain a record which can be relied upon as accurate.
At present 24 hours notice has to be given of intention to enter premises, but
the Housing Bill now before Parliament will provide powers of entry without notice after
obtaining a warrant.
Action under section 15, to require the provision of amenities, has resulted in a
number of cases in the eviction of some of the tenants.
Before the service of a notice under section 16 for means of escape in case of
fire the advice of the Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is required to be sought and
a visit is normally paid by an officer of the Fire Brigade in company with the Public
Health Inspector. Secondary access is not required where there is nobody living
above the first floor and some cases have arisen where, in order to obviate the need
for providing a fire escape to attic rooms, the tenants have been evicted.
Conditions for the gradual reduction in the number of occupants, using the
provisions of section 19 vary considerably throughout the Borough. In some cases the
tenants have been in occupation for a long time and do not intend to move, and the
application of section 19 gives no practical assistance. On the contrary it not only
appears to condone the overcrowding but precludes the service of notice under section
15 to secure amenities. The Housing Bill will enable both sections to be operated
simultaneously.