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18.
HOUSING
The general standard of housing in the Borough is good.
Number of houses built during the year -
(a) by the Council 60
(b) by private enterprise. 118
Number of houses in course of construction -
(a) by the Council 111
(b) by private enterprise. 92
For the purpose of abating nuisances or executing repairs to
houses the following notices were served -
Preliminary 35
Abatement 17
These figures do not include verbal notices often given with
regard to minor matters.
HOUSE PURCHASE AND HOUSING ACT. 1959
The House Purchase and Housing Act, 1959, came into operation on
the 14th June, 1959, and provides for an extension and simplification of
the existing system of improvement grants.
A new form of grant - the Standard Grant - was introduced whereby
grants became available for the cost of installing a bath, water closet
in or contiguous to the building, hot water system, wash hand basin and
satisfactory facilities for storing food in a dwelling without one or more
of those facilities. Subject to the dwelling being likely to remain fit
for human habitation for not less than 15 years and the applicant having
a freehold or leasehold interest, of which not less than 15 years remains
unexpired, the local authority must approve a grant.
The maximum amount of Standard Grant, which is 50% of the cost of
carrying out the work, shall not exceed £155 if all the following facilities
are provided. The maximum amount of grant payable for each facility is
as follows:
Fixed bath or shower in a bathroom £25
Wash hand basin £5
Hot water supply £75
Water closet in or contiguous to the dwelling £40
Satisfactory facilities for storing food £10