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three cases where Demolition Orders had been made requiring the demolition
of premises within 6 weeks of vacation by the tenants, it was
found that the houses had not been so demolished, resulting in further
correspondence with the Owners concerned.
The inspection of houses in multiple occupation continues and
whilst most owners do not prove too difficult over the provision of
facilities, the means of escape in case of fire required by Section 16 of
the Housing Act 1961, often leads to strong objections on the grounds
that such provisions are unnecessary as the house has stood for many
years, and that fire has not occurred. This part of the Act, however, is
of utmost importance and cannot be neglected by the L.A. for, in the
words of the Fire Brigade, "according to the law of averages a house
which has not had to make use of their services for many years is just
about due for a fire". Fire is an ever present hazard in houses of multiple
occupation due to the presence of more families and occupants than the
premises were originally designed for, and if such families comprise of
many children and use oil stoves — still the cheapest means of heating
- the risk is high, more so if, as often happens, the families are immigrants
whose native lands enjoy warmer weather than is experienced in
this country, and therefore have little knowledge of *the dangers of
paraffin.
Should a fire occur in a house in multiple occupation, resulting in
the loss of life, the Public Health Inspector could well be called upon
to explain at a Coroner's inquest, why the house was not provided with
means of escape and if provided why they failed in their intended
purpose.
The administration of the Rent Acts, insofar as the issue of certificates
of disrepair was concerned continued much as in 1967, there being
only five applications received, all of which were granted. Two undertakings
were received from landlords to carry out specific repairs. Two
certificates of disrepair were cancelled during the year.
Gypsies and
Other
'T ravellers'
Last year I reported on the most unsatisfactory conditions then
existing on the verge of Woodford Avenue as a result of occupation by a
number of gypsies and other travellers with families. I am pleased to
report that the provision of a temporary site at Hainault for 16 gypsy
caravans has completely abated the nuisance which has troubled this
authority for a number of years.
The site which has W.C's., wash basins, showers and laundry
facilities with hot water was provided at a total cost of £11,000, The