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1907]
224
INSPECTION OF HOUSES LET IN LODGINGS.
Under the new by-laws there is no provision for the keeping of a
register, because every house that is let out as described the by-laws
quoted below is subject to them.
At the time they were drawn up the Council, as represented by its
Public Health Committee, made a strong representation to the Local
Government Board with a view to their restricted application, that is to say,
to those houses to which from time to time they might be applied
by a resolution passed by the Council. In those days they were held
in terrorem over property owners who habitually neglected their duties, and it
is to their houses they are still applied, for it is felt that the universal application
of the by-laws would be unfair to the tenants, and unjust to many
respectable owners of property.
The by-law which affects them is as follows ;—
2. In any of the following cases a lodging-house shall be exempt from the
operation of these by-laws ; that is to say—
(a) Where the tenant himself resides on the premises, and the sub-letting by
such tenant is to not more than one lodger.
(b) Where the rent or charge payable by each lodger occupying not more
than one room, and exclusive of any charge for the use by the lodger of any
furniture, is at the rate of not less than four shillings and sixpence per week,
and such room is occupied by not more than two persons.
(c) Where the rent or charge payable by each lodger occupying not more
than one room, and inclusive of any charge for the use by the lodger of any
furniture, is at the rate of not less than six shillings per week, and such room
is occupied by not more than two persons.
(d) Where the rent or charge payable by each lodger occupying two or more
rooms, and exclusive of any charge for the use by the lodger of any furniture,
is at the rate of not less than seven shillings and sixpence per week.
(e) Where the rent or charge payable by each lodger occupying two or more
rooms, and inclusive of any charge for the use by the lodger of any furniture,
is at the rate of not less than ten shillings per week.
Nevertheless, there are some 878 houses which are systematically
examined, and to these 12,236 visits were made during the year under
consideration, which resulted in 2,586 nuisances being abated after the
service of 1,394 notices, of which 1,244 were intimations and 150 statutory
notices.
The work of inspection was done by Inspectors Bridel and Hancock, the
former undertaking the work of the Northern district, and the latter the
Southern district. For the purpose of these districts the borough is divided
by the Great Northern Railway.