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What action is to be taken concerning unfit houses is governed by the cost of the
necessary works. Unless the house 'is capable at reasonable expense of being rendered
fit' action must be in the direction of closing or demolition. 'Reasonable expense' has
never been defined and with restrictions on rents and the high cost of repairs, its
interpretation is far from easy, but the Housing Act, 1957 has now defined the matters
to be taken into consideration in assessing fitness for human habitation.
The action taken in insanitary and unfit dwelling houses during the year is
summarised as follows:-
1. INSPECTION OF DWELLING-HOUSES DURING THE YEAR.
(1) (a) Total number of dwelling houses inspected for
housing defects (Under Public Health and
Housing Acts) 378
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 633
(2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under
head (1) above) which were inspected and recorded
under Housing Regulations, 1925 and 1932 255
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 510
(3) (a) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state
so dangerous or injurious to health as to be
unfit for human habitation 7
(4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred
to under the preceding sub-head) found not to be in
all respects reasonably fit for human habitation 224
2. REMEDY OP DEFECTS DURING THE YEAR WITHOUT SERVICE OF FORMAL NOTICES:
Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in
consequence of informal action by the Local Authority
or their Officers 29
3. ACTION UNDER STATUTORY POWERS DURING THE YEAR:
(a) Proceedings under sections 9, 10 and 12 of the
Housing Act, 1957:
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which formal
notices were served requiring repairs 3
(2) Number of dwelling-houses which were rendered fit
after service of formal notices:-
(a) by Owner 3
(b) by Lccal Authority in default of owners 1
(b) Proceedings under Public Health Acts
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which formal
notices were served requiring defects to be remedied 13
28