View report page

44
In 1949 the question of the general resumption of slum clearance
in London was reviewed and a conference between officers of the
London County Council and the Metropolitan Boroughs was held.
As a result of this conference the Councils were asked to bring
up-to-date their post-war slum clearance proposals and in order
to comply with this request for additional information a slum
clearance survey was carried out in the borough and the programme,
as finally submitted, related to 26 areas, containing approximately
966 houses.
Individual Unfit Houses .
In addition to dealing with groups of houses by way of slum
clearance orders, action has also been taken in respect of individual
unfit houses and parts of houses not capable of repair at a reasonable
cost.
The powers of local authorities to deal with individual unfit
houses have been subject to several changes during the period
under review. Prior to the Housing Act, 1930, local authorities
had power to order the closing of an unfit house, but could make a
demolition order only if, after the closing order had been operative
for three months, either no steps had been taken to render the house
fit, or they were of the opinion that the continuance of the building
was a nuisance or dangerous or injurious to the health of the public
or the inhabitants of neighbouring houses. Closing orders could also
be made in respect of underground rooms habitually used for
sleeping, prohibiting their use for such purpose.
The Housing Act, 1930 empowered a Council to make a demolition
order in respect of an unfit house without first making a closing
order and also permitted the making of a closing order in respect of
a part of a house which was unfit for human habitation.
Under the Housing Act, 1935, the powers of a Council in respect
of closing parts of premises or underground rooms were further
extended to enable them to make a closing order prohibiting use
for any purpose other than one approved by them. There was,
however, provision for appeal against a Council withholding
approval in relation to the use for any purpose of premises in
respect of which a closing order was in force. These powers in respect
of unfit houses, parts of premises and underground rooms
were all consolidated in the Housing Act, 1936.
As a result of these differences hi legislation relating to unfit houses
the Council have from time to time had to vary their methods of
dealing with premises. Thus it will be seen from the figures quoted
below that acting under earlier legislation the Council made closing
orders on entire houses whilst in respect of houses dealt with at
later dates demolition orders were made.