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(22)
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 far storing food £10
On completion, the dwelling must possess all the above amenities.
The Council has continued to give 'Discretionary Grants' far works
of improvement or conversion up to a cost of £800 and subject to a grant
up to 50% of this cost.
Generally speaking Discretionary Grants are given where extensive
work is necessary to provide modern amenities, for example, the construction
of a bathroom extension to an existing house.
The Housing Act, 1961, came into operation in October, 1961, and
authorised an increase in the rent by 12½% of the cost incurred by the
owner in carrying out the improvements made to property.
In a Circular issued in April, 1962, the Ministry of Housing and
Local Government made it quite clear that every facility should be
given to encourage the making of grants in suitable cases and to preserve
structurally sound houses with a substantial life by improving their
amenities. As a result the Council decided to publicise improvement
grants by posters and by exhibitions and to survey selected roads with
a view to encouraging owners to improve their properties. Later in the
year the Ministry urged all local authorities to undertake such publicity.
During the year numerous enquiries were made by ratepayers and
advice was given. Although many did not avail themselves of the
facilities offered, a considerable amount of work has been carried out.
The following tables show the number of grants approved and payments
made during the year:
Standard Grants.