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SLUM CLEARANCE AND DEMOLITION
The slum clearance programme for the period 1966-70 was compiled from the surveys
of the three former Metropolitan Boroughs. A clearance area must comprise at least two houses,
and in addition to the 516 dwellings in the programme there are a number of individual unfit
houses within the Borough which are to be dealt with by demolition or closing orders.
Unfitness in a house is to some extent a matter of degree, for whilst a number of houses
(particularly basement dwellings) are unsatisfactory, it is only rarely that one is so bad that its
occupants should be rehoused before those already upon the housing waiting list. Where, however,
it becomes known that unsatisfactory premises have been vacated, a closing order is made to
prevent their re-occupation.
The Council has made regulations setting-out the requirements for underground rooms,
and in a number of cases work has been carried out to the standard required, making the rooms
fit for habitation.
A copy of the Underground Rooms Regulations appears in the Appendix, table 8.
LOANS FOR HOUSE PURCHASE
When the Council lends money for house purchase or makes an improvement grant, a
condition is that the dwelling must be fit in all respects for human habitation; disrepair or lack
of maintenance which could be the subject of a Notice under Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1957
are so dealt with, and this procedure contributes considerably to the number of houses made fit
for habitation in all respects.
Section 43, Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958 empowers a local authority to
advance money to enable a person;
(a) to acquire a house;
(b) to construct a house;
(c) to convert into dwellings premises which have been acquired by other persons,
or to acquire buildings and convert them into houses;
(d) to alter, enlarge, repair or improve a house.
The term "house" includes any yard, garden, outhouses and appurtenances belonging
thereto or usually enjoyed therewith, and any part of a building which is occupied as a separate
dwelling including, in particular, a flat.
It is stipulated that the borrower shall live on the premises.
The guide as to the fitness of a property is that of the 8 points required to be met as
laid down under Section 4 of the Housing Act, 1957, namely:-
(a) repair
(b) stability
(c) freedom from damp
(d) natural lighting
(e) ventilation
(f) water supply
(g) drainage and sanitary conveniences
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