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converting a scullery into a bathroom might make it necessary to remove an
existing food store and replace it elsewhere In such a case no deduction
is made in arriving at the maximum grant on account of the amenity that had to
be replaced A local authority must, however, satisfy themselves that it
would not have been reasonably practicable to do the work in some other way.
These grants can be claimed as a right subject to certain conditions
which include:-
(a) The dwelling must as a general rule have been built before the end
of 1944, unless it was produced by the conversion of another house
or building, in which case a grant is payable provided that the
original building was built before the end of 1944 and the conversion
was completed before the end of 1958;
(b) the amenities must be for the exclusive use of the occupier of the
particular dwelling;
(c) the dwelling must, after improvement, be equipped with all five
standard amenities;
(d) if a hot water supply is provided it must be connected to a sink as
well as to a bath or shower and wash-hand basin;
(e) where the applicant for the grant is not the occupier of the
dwelling, the occupier must give written consent to the making of
the application;
(f) the local authority must be satisfied that when the work proposed
has been carried out the dwelling will be fit for human habitation,
and is likely to remain fit and available for use as a dwelling for
at least 15 years:
(g) the applicant must hold the freehold interest in the land or be the
lessee under a lease with a term at least of 15 years unexpired;
(h) where the application relates to the provision of part only of the
standard amenities, the dwelling must already be provided with the
remainder.
In addition to making provision for the payment of standard grants the
Act introduces new measures to simplify the system of discretionary improvement
grants and to make these grants more attractive to owners
HOUSING (UNDERGROUND ROOMS) ACT, 1959
Under the Housing Act, 1936 a local authority was able to close as being
unfit for human habitation any underground room which was more than three feet
below the surface of the part of the street adjoining or nearest to the room,
or more than three feet below the surface of any ground within nine feet of the
room, if either
"(a) the average height of the room from floor to ceiling is not at least
seven feet, or
(b) the room does not comply with such Regulations as the local authority,
with the consent of the Minister, may prescribe for securing the
proper ventilation and lighting of such rooms, and the protection
thereof against dampness, effluvia or exhalation."
In the case of Hackney such Regulations have been in force since 29th January,
1914.
The Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, however, introduced a new
standard of fitness for human habitation, with the result that underground
rooms could no longer be dealt with under the Regulations, and could be closed
only if they infringed the new general standard. The provisions of the 1954
Act were repealed by but were re-enacted in the Housing Act, 1957,