OPEN SPACES 250

(c) Precleansing To resite footbaths followed by a shower tunnel. Facilities (d) Learners Pool To increase the length of pool from 40 ft. to 55 ft. and raise level of water rather than provide a trench on either side for the instructors. (e) Filtration Plant Filtration plant for the outdoor bath to be included in the main plant room for the covered bath. (f) Open Air Pool Improvements to the surrounds of the outdoor pool and to the water circulation plant. (g) Car Park To construct car park in two parts. The Borough Architect reported that the total additional cost for the above- mentioned items would be approximately £40,000, however, the cost plan for the building indicated that savings may be made on other items. (B) Floodlighting and Signs: RESOLVED: That no floodlighting be provided and that signs should refer to " Men " and " Women ". (Q Materials and Finishes: RESOLVED: That the report of the Borough Architect upon the proposed materials and finishes to be used in the construc­ tion of the bath be received and that he be asked to display at the meeting of the Open Spaces Committee on 7th July, 1964, a sample of the plastic moulded seat recommended for use. (D) Running Costs: RESOLVED: That details of the annual deficiency at the Southampton (£57,000) and Cardiff (£100,000) Baths be noted. (E) Temporary Changing Accommodation: RESOLVED: That, to assist the Contractors when work on the main building is in progress, temporary dressing accommodation be provided for the outdoor pool to replace approximately 50 existing cubicles to be disturbed during the 1965 Summer Season. The Sub-Committee congratulated Mr. Weitzel upon his excellent presentation of the Borough Architect's Report. (The meeting ended at 8.12 p.m.) (Signed) W. A. TACKLEY, Chairman.

HOUSING COMMITTEE: 14th July, 1964. Present: His Worship the Mayor (Alderman MacRae, J.P.); Councillor Buckle (in the Chair); Alderman Mrs. Potts, M.B.E.; Councillors Adkins, Mrs. Carey, Clack, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Edwards, Ellement, Harkett, Harris, Lovell, B.E.M., Sellers, Williams and Wilmott.

PART I.—RECOMMENDATIONS.

RECOMMENDATION I: Discretionary Improvement Grants. Pursuant to Sites and Building Sub-Committee recommendation I (22nd June, 1964) (printed as appendix I to this report), Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council approve applications 181/1072 (revised) and 185/419, as detailed in the schedule to the report of the Sites and Building Sub- Committee (22nd June, 1964). 251 HOUSING

RECOMMENDATION II: Elstree Hill Estate: Vacant Back Land at Northern End of Sullivan Way. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council approve recomendation 2 of the Sites and Building Sub- Committee (22nd June, 1964) to incorporate this back land into the rear gardens of adjacent Council houses, and agree that expenditure, not exceeding £140, upon the provision and erection of the requisite dividing fencing, be regarded as a revenue contribution to capital. RECOMMENDATION III: New Policy Concerning Applications for Inclusion in the General Housing Waiting List. Pursuant to Housing Management Sub-Committee recommendation 2 (2nd July, 1964) and Housing Management Special Sub-Committee recommendation 3 (29th May, 1964), Resolved to RECOMMEND: That paragraph (1) (a) of Council resolution 1661 (VII) (24th April, 1959) be hereby amended to read: — " That normally no application (to the General Housing Waiting List) be considered where the joint income of husband and wife exceeds £1,200 (instead of £1,000) per annum. RECOMMENDATION IV: Land at South-east Corner of Kenton Lane and Vernon Drive (Mountside): Proposed Site for Electricity Sub-Station. Under the terms of the 99-year Lease of this 0-92 of an acre site, granted to them by the former Urban District Council on 6th November, 1953, for use originally as a site for a new Fire Station and now for the erection of an old persons' home, Middlesex County Council seek permission to sub-lease to Eastern Electricity Board, for 42 years at an annual exclusive rent of £15, about 30 square yards at the rear for the erection of a sub-station. They also seek permission to grant the Board right of access from Mountside to the said site and a right to lay pipes, conduits and cables through land between the site and Kenton Lane; and request the Borough Council's consent to waive Clause 9 of the Lease (as to insurance cover for the sub-station), which it is the County Council's practice to require the Board to effect. Your Committee raise no objection to the County Council's proposal. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council grant permission to Middlesex County Council to sub­ lease to the Eastern Electricity Board, as an electricity sub-station site, 30 square yards (or thereabouts) of the 0-92 of an acre site at the south-east corner of Kenton Lane and Vernon Drive (Mountside), leased to the County Council by the former Harrow Urban District Council; and to grant the Board rights of access over, and an easement to lay cables, etc., through, the land to the sub-station site, as shown on the plan attached to, and upon the terms and conditions stipulated in, the County Clerk's letter of 19th June, 1964. RECOMMENDATION V: Re-letting of Dwellings Purchased in Advance of Highway Improvement: 6, Elm Park, Stanmore. This is one of the dwellings purchased on the recommendation of the High­ ways and Cleansing Committee for the Stanmore By-pass project, which your Committee have been asked to manage for three years in the first instance and which the Council have agreed shall be re-let temporarily through agents on HOUSING 252

the open market at an economic rent. Owing to its poor internal decorative condition, etc., only one offer, some­ what below the open market value usually expected for sound houses of this type in this locality, has been received in the sum of £4 weekly exclusive, the prospective tenant agreeing to undertake all necessary internal repairs and decorations. As it is estimated it would cost the Council about £560 to put the house into reasonable order for letting to a family from the waiting list and it is likely that such a family could not be expected to pay a rent likely to match the offer, your Committee consider that the most economical course to follow would be to accept the offer for a period of two years in the first instance and to continue the tenancy for such period as the house may remain available there­ after at an exclusive weekly rent of £5. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council accept the offer to rent 6, Elm Park, Stanmore, at £4 per week exclusive, subject to the ingoing tenant carrying out necessary internal repairs and decorations; that if such tenancy is required to be extended beyond an initial period of two years the rent shall automatically be in­ creased to £5 weekly, exclusive.

RECOMMENDATION VI: 94-110 (even, inclusive), Greenford Road, Sud- bury Hill: Possible Housing Site after Re-location of Industry: 96, Greenford Road. The Council will recall that it was at the request of the Planning Committee, following proposals made by the County Planning Committee, that your Com­ mittee, on 20th December, 1962 (resolution 2453), agreed, in principle, to the acquisition of this site under Housing Act powers on the understanding that the County Council shall contribute towards the cost of buying out "non- conforming uses" in so far as they would exceed the value of the land for residential purposes. By 30th April, 1964, negotiations for the vacant property, 96, Greenford Road, had reached a stage where the Council, in accordance with your Com­ mittee's recommendation unanimously supported by the Planning Committee, resolved to acquire it by the exercise of compulsory powers, if necessary. However, the District Valuer has reached agreement with the Vendors for the freehold interest in the property for the sum of £6,600 based on the assumption that planning permission exists for use of part of the property for light industrial purposes, plus Surveyor's fees (£96 12s. Od.) and Solicitor's scale costs, Stamp Duty, etc., estimated at £157 10s. Od. Also, he has reported separately as to the estimated residential value of the property. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That, subject to Middlesex County Council contributing the difference between the cost of buying out non-conforming industrial use and residential values (plus an appropriate portion of Vendors' Surveyor's and Solicitor's scale costs, stamp duty, etc.), the Council agree to acquire, pursuant to Part V of the Housing Act, 1957, the freehold interest in the detached dwelling house and land, 96, Greenford Road, Sudbury Hill, for the sum of £6,600, plus Vendors' Surveyor's fees (£96 12s. Od.) and Solicitor's scale costs, stamp duty, etc., of about £157 10s. Od., in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the District Valuer's report of 10th July, 1964. (Note: The Finance Committee recommend that this expenditure be met by loan.} 253 HOUSING

RECOMMENDATION VII: Appointment of Consultant Quantity Surveyors on New Housing Schemes. By resolution 1631 (XI) (13th March, 1959) the Council adopted a policy to engage private architects to supplement the Council's own technical staff on the preparation of new housing schemes. Design drawings for the extension of Stonegrove Estate, redevelopment of the Pinner Hill Estate, and the Sports dressing accommodation at Elstree Hill Estate, by private Architects, and for the Pinner Green site by the Borough Architect's staff, have progressed to the stage of Bills of Quantities and the appointment of consultant Quantity Surveyors to ensure that there will be no avoidable delay in starting the work is now desirable. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council approve the principle of engaging the services of con­ sultant Quantity Surveyors from time to time, in connection with the preparation of municipal housing schemes. (Note: The Finance Committee recommend that this expenditure be met temporarily from block loan sanction already obtained.) RECOMMENDATION VIII: Weald Village Estate: Vacant Plots Intended for Lock-up Garages. Outline planning approval was obtained in September, 1961, for the erection of 81 lock-up garages on this estate and appropriate adjustments were made in the subsequent fence renewal contract. Owing to the actual demand for garages not matching the apparent need, your Committee (resolution 2633: 19th September, 1963) authorised the invita­ tion of tenders for the erection of one group (31) of lock-up garages of a proprietary type and provision is made for this work (with 24 at Berridge Estate) in 1964/65 Capital Estimates. Bearing in mind the apparent disinclination of many tenants to rent lock-up garages, but having regard to the nuisance of rubbish dumping on these vacant sites and the pressing need to reduce parking on estate roads, your Committee have Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council— (1) agree to two sites bounded by the rear gardens of houses in (i) Middle Way, Broadway, Cross Way; and (ii) The Bye Way, Cross Way, Church Lane, on the Weald Village Estate being paved, drained and enclosed with close-boarded fencing to provide parking spaces for, respectively, 20 and 10 motor cars owned by estate tenants; and (2) approve estimates of expenditure, to be submitted by Chairman of Housing Committee, for the above-mentioned work, to be carried out by Borough Surveyor's direct labour and/or under annual contracts. (Note: The Finance Committee recommend that this expenditure be met by loan.)

PART II.—MINUTES. 2836. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 9th June, 1964, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a true record, subject to the following amendments: — HOUSING 254 (i) Recommendation I (Discretionary Improvement Grants): Substitute " single-storey " for " two-storey." (ii) Resolution 2814 (Weald Village Estate: Rubbish Dumping): Delete all words after " to " on the third line and substitute the following: " re-fence the sites concerned; and declare a general policy that land will not again be taken from tenants' gardens for other housing purposes until definite schemes are about to be carried out." (iii) Resolution 2822 (North Lodge Caravan Site, Edgware): Delete all words after " auction " on the third line and substitute the following: " to be held, unless it is sold by private treaty beforehand, on 1st July, 1964." 2837. Sites and Building Sub-Committee: RESOLVED: That the report of the Sites and Building Sub-Committee (22nd June, 1964: printed as appendix I to this report) be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in this report, it be hereby confirmed. 2838. Housing Management Sub-Committee: RESOLVED: That the report of the Housing Management Sub-Committee (2nd July, 1964: printed as appendix II to this report) be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in this report, it be hereby confirmed. 2839. Application 1499: RESOLVED: That the Committee receive, with satis­ faction, the Chairman's report that the applicants in this case who were re­ housed by the Council in November, 1963, had expressed, through a member of the Committee, their thanks and satisfaction for the dwelling which had been allocated to them.

2840. Rent Arrears Sub-Committee: RESOLVED: That the report of the Rent Arrears Sub-Committee (8th July, 1964: printed as appendix III) be received, and in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in this report, it be hereby confirmed. (Councillors Harkett and Wilmott arrived at this stage of the meeting— 7.50 p.m.) 2841. Matters Dealt with by Chairman: RESOLVED: That the Committee approve and confirm the following action of their Chairman taken under executive procedure, viz.:— (a) In consultation with His Worship the Mayor— (1) Appointing a weekly net rent of £1 10s. 8d. for 17, Angel Road, Harrow (purchased in advance of Central redevelopment requirements), and approving a financial adjustment in favour of the Redevelopment Committee to reflect the difference between that amount and the economic rent of the dwelling. (2) Approving, as a matter of urgency, at the request of the applicant, improvement grant application 181/1072, in accordance with recommenda­ tion 1 of Sites and Building Sub-Committee (22nd June, 1964). (b) Authorising revenue expenditure of about £150 upon eradication of dry rot at " The Callanders," Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath. (c) Authorising soil investigations being commenced at the following further housing sites, at estimated costs respectively indicated, which are covered by block loan consent: — 255 HOUSING

Estate £ Pinner Green ...... 250 Stonegrove ...... 250 Mountside/Vernon Drive ...... 125 Pinner Hill ...... 500 £1,125

2842. 75, Northolt Road: Application for Tenancy of Lower Portion: RE­ SOLVED: That, in view of the requirements of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, and the comparatively limited period before this property is required for demolition and redevelopment, the Committee refuse the application now submitted to rent the lower portion as a betting shop. 2843. Northolt Park Estate: Sale of Land for Highway Improvement: Aris­ ing out of resolution 1813 (20th October, 1960), RESOLVED: That consideration be deferred of the County Valuer's pro­ posal that 0-19 of an acre along the Eastcote Lane frontage of this Estate be conveyed to Middlesex County Council, at a nominal rent, for County highway improvement and diversion, so as to enable the Borough Surveyor to negotiate the sale of about one-half an acre in that locality ultimately to be required for the construction of a dual carriageway. 2844. "Antoneys" Estate: Proposed Sale of Back Land: RESOLVED: That consideration of a request by an adjoining owner, to purchase a small area at the rear of this estate in order to extend his own garden, be deferred for further information. 2845. Extended Use of Communal Rooms on Housing Estates: With reference to resolution 2756 (20th February, 1964), RESOLVED: That the Committee note that the Minister of Housing and Local Government favours the use of Communal Rooms on housing estates for extending the Old Peoples' Welfare Luncheon Club and Workroom facilities, providing existing Club activities in those Rooms are not thereby disrupted. 2846. Housing Policy and Procedure as from 1st April, 1965: With reference to resolution 2819 (9th June, 1964), RESOLVED: (1) That the letter (29th June, 1964) from the Clerk of the Greater London Council, inviting the appointment of representatives of the London Borough Council of Harrow to discussions with those of the Greater London Council during the coming Autumn or the early part of 1965, be referred to the Special Committee of the London Borough Council of Harrow. (2) That the Housing Officer be hereby authorised to attend a meeting at County Hall at 2.30 p.m. on 27th July, 1964, at the invitation of the Director of Housing, Greater London Council. 2847. 106, Bessborough Road, Harrow: Proposed Car Park and Combined Housing Scheme: RESOLVED: That the Committee welcome the proposal in paragraph (1) of Open Spaces Committee resolution 3720 (7th July, 1964) to HOUSING 256 undertake a Housing Scheme in conjunction with the car park project, subject to the special consideration being given to the apportionment of land values between the two schemes; and hereby instruct the Borough Architect to prepare a housing scheme. 2848. Under-occupied Private Dwellings: With reference to resolution 2811 (9th June, 1964), RESOLVED: (1) That the Town Clerk be authorised (a) to inform the owner of 20, St. Kilda's Road that the Council's interest in this property arises from the fact that it is partly vacant and (b) to endeavour to pursue negotiations for its acquisition. (2) That the Committee note that the owners of 67, Axholme Avenue have obtained a Court Order for possession, subject to further application being made to the Court before execution; that their offer to rehouse the occupants of the house if the Council would rehouse the tenant of 70, Axholme Avenue was still open; and that the upper part of No. 70 became vacant when the Council rehoused the disabled tenant therefrom into ground floor accommodation on hardship grounds. A motion that the Council be recommended to acquire 67, Axholme Avenue compulsorily having been negatived, it was FURTHER RESOLVED: (3) That the Town Clerk be authorised to pursue negotiations for leasing that house. 2849. Housing Association Schemes: (a) Harrow Baptist Housing Association: RESOLVED: That the detailed scheme now submitted by this Association (following resolution 2721: 2nd January, 1964) for erecting 16 old persons' flats and a warden's house with financial assistance from the Council, pursuant to section 119 of the Housing Act, 1957, be approved in principle; but that the Association be informed that it is unlikely that the Council can offer any land for the scheme in the vicinity of their Church. (b) Queensway Housing Association: RESOLVED: That a similar applica­ tion by this Association for a 100 per cent loan to enable them to carry out a mixed development on about seven and a half acres of the former Pinner Football Club ground, Birchmead Avenue, at a total estimated cost exceed­ ing half-a-million pounds, be refused because of insufficient time in which to fully examine the scheme before a tender for the land is submitted by 14th August, 1964. 2850. Housing Centre Trust: RESOLVED: That the Committee continue membership of this organisation and hereby approve the payment of 1! guineas annual subscription. 2851. Legal and Administrative Position of Housing Land Acquisitions and Outstanding Construction Contracts: RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk's report be received.

2852. Rayners Lane Estate Redevelopment: Phases III and IV: RESOLVED: That the Committee approve the suggestion of the Borough Architect and Planner that, in view of the similarity of Phase IV of this scheme to Phase III, for which construction drawings and bills of quantities are now being prepared, the successful tenderer for Phase III be invited to negotiate a 257 HOUSING

further contract for Phase IV, with the object of ensuring continuity of work and obtaining keener overall tendering for both phases; and that the Chair­ man be authorised, in the first instance, to choose not less than six firms from the Council's selective list of Contractors who would be willing to tender on that basis.

2853. Conversion into Smaller Dwellings of Privately-owned Houses Pur­ chased from Elderly Owner/Occupiers on an Exchange Basis: The Town Clerk reported the reference back by the Council on 25th June, 1964, of the Committee's recommendation III of 9th idem herein: RESOLVED: (1) That fresh tenders be obtained for the conversion into two flats of each of the following houses, viz.: 107, Headstone Lane, Harrow, 45, Greencourt Avenue, Edgware, and 76, Warham Road, Harrow Weald. (2) That the Committee note the action taken by the Borough Architect and Planner, in consultation with the private Architect engaged on this work, so as to simplify specifications and encourage tenders from specialist firms who might be assured a continuity of work while the experimental scheme continues.

2854. Invitation of Tenders for Housing Contracts: Selected List: Pursuant to Council resolution 2936 (VI): (12th March, 1964), RESOLVED: That the Committee approve the list of 78 building con­ tractors now submitted by the Borough Architect and Planner (excluding firm No. 5 now in liquidation), all of whom have undertaken not to engage in restrictive practices; and that, subject to further investigation in certain cases, the list be signed by the Town Clerk as the official approved list of contractors from whom tenders or quotations shall be invited for building houses or flats, and ancillary works, as may be required by the Council during the period ending 31st March, 1965.

2855. Clean Air Act, 1956: Harrow Smoke Control Order No. 8: Upon a report by the Housing Officer, RESOLVED: (1) That, pursuant to paragraphs (5) and (6) of Standing Order 33, the Committee accept the following quotations of the North Thames Gas Board: — (i) for extending gas supplies to kitchens, living rooms and parlours in 202 dwellings on the Honeybun Estate; supplying and fitting 177 gas fire lighters and 25 gas pokers; and supplying and fixing 156 gas room heaters, at a total cost of £6,010 Is. 9d.; and (ii) removing existing surrounds and fixing new surrounds in parlours of 127 houses for £1,111 5s.; and authorise the Town Clerk to execute contracts accordingly. (2) That the Committee accept the quotation of Standard Range, Ltd. (the lowest of four), for the provision of 127 fireplace surrounds for the sum of £495 6s. (3) That the Committee accept the tender of British Building Supplies, Ltd., for supplying 25 inset convector heaters and 15 coke grates for the sum of £565 5s. 5d; authorise the Town Clerk to seal a contract accordingly; and approve the sum of £245 as the estimated cost of fixing those items by direct labour. HOUSING 258

(4) That the Committee note that, subject to the cost of all the afore­ mentioned work ranking for the usual 7/10th grant aid, the amount charge­ able to the Housing Repairs Account will be £2,528 16s. 2856. Housing Repairs Programme, 1964/65: External Painting, etc., at Various Estates: The Housing Officer submitted fresh tenders obtained (a) in consequence of the withdrawal of one accepted under paragraph (1) of resolution 2828, 9th June, 1964; and (b) pursuant to paragraph (2) of the same resolution. RESOLVED: That the Committee accept the following tenders (being the lowest received in each case) of the contractors named in column (1) of the table hereunder for the amounts respectively shown in column (3) thereof, for externally painting and repairing dwellings on the housing estates respectively named in column (2) of the table; and authorise the Town Clerk to seal contracts accordingly: — Amount of Name of Contractor Estate and Number of dwellings Tender (1) (2) (3) £ F. Troy & Co., Ltd. Rayners Lane (252 dwellings, 53 5,396 Garages and Communal Room) Haymills (Contrac- Berridge (246) 6,995 tors), Ltd. F. Troy & Co., Ltd. Elmgrove (169) 3,851 Haymills (Contrac- Honeybun (202) 10,294 tors), Ltd. (2) That in consequence of the acceptance of the four lowest tenders described in paragraph (1) above, the Finance Committee be asked to approve a supplementary estimate of £5,843 on the Housing Repairs Account. 2857. Special Sub-Committee re Departmental Organisation for Dealing with All Aspects of Housing Management: RESOLVED: That Alderman Cutler, O.B.E., C.C., and Councillors Adkins, Buckle, Lovell, B.E.M., and Will- mott, be hereby re-appointed as the Special Sub-Committee for the period ending 31st March, 1965; and that a meeting of the Special Sub-Committee be convened, if possible, on 27th July, 1964, to review progress to date in the establishment of a separate Housing Section, pursuant to Council reso­ lution 2850 (VIII): (5th December, 1963), and preparatory to a further meeting of the Sub-Committee to be held in September, 1964, pursuant to paragraph (ii) of their recommendation of 18th June/31st October, 1963, when they intend to consider further, and to recommend accordingly, the inclusion or otherwise of Rent Collection duties in the re-organised Section's new functions and duties.

2858. Alleged Damage to Tenant's Furniture, etc., Owing to Overflowing Cistern at 78, Elmgrove Crescent, Wealdstone: Upon an oral report by the Borough Architect and Planner, RESOLVED: That, in the event of a claim upon the Council's Insurer's herein being unsuccessful, the Committee approve an ex gratia payment of £33 10s., being made to the tenant of the above-named dwelling, subject to 259 HOUSING

the consent of the Minister of Housing and Local Government pursuant to the proviso to section 228 (1) of the Local Government Act, 1933. 2859. Matter Concerning Scheme for Council Tenants Carrying Out their Own Internal Decorations: RESOLVED: That the Committee hereby grant, as a special case, the request of the tenant of 20, The Bye Way, Wealdstone, whose late husband regularly participated in this scheme, to have her hall and staircase redecorated by the Council in advance of the expiry of the normal redecoration cycle. 2860. "Durham House," Pinner Road: Old People's Estate: RESOLVED: That the Committee approve the purchase of a lawn mower, for use at Durham House, at a cost of £3 17s. 6d. 2861. Housing Progress: RESOLVED: That the Committee receive the oral report of the Borough Architect and Planner upon progress of (a) schemes under the five-year programme, noting that in some instances it has been possible to increase the number of dwellings proposed to be provided; and (b) building contracts, noting that the balance of the dwellings at Greenford Road were handed over on 13th July, and that work commenced at Harrow Weald Park on 29th June, 1964. (The meeting closed at 10.17 p.m.} (Signed) EDWARD BUCKLE, Chairman.

APPENDIX 1.

SITES AND BUILDING SUB-COMMITTEE: 22nd June, 1964. Present: Councillor Sellers (in the Chair) and Alderman Cutler, O.B.E., C.C.

PART I.—RECOMMENDATIONS. RECOMMENDATION 1: Discretionary Improvement Grants. In submitting for approval the two further applications detailed in the Schedule to this report, your Sub-Committee point out that a grant of £137 was approved by the Council on 12th March, 1964 in respect of application 181/1072, based on cost of work then approved of £250, the lowest of three tenders. The Contractor submitting that tender is not now prepared to undertake the work for that sum (which at the time was considered to be low) and in the cir­ cumstances your Sub-Committee recommend that the lowest of the two remain­ ing tenders, in the sum of £456 10s. is reasonable for the work described and that an increased grant, in the sum of £251 (including a proportion of professional fees) should be made accordingly. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Council be recommended—(a) to rescind their resolution 2924: 12th March, 1964 insofar as it concerns application 181/1072; and (b) approve, pursuant to Section 30 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958 (as amended by the House Purchase and Housing Acts, 1959 and the Housing Act, 1951) and to the scheme approved by Council resolution 241: 10th December, 1954, Applications 181/1072 (as now revised) and 185/419 as detailed in the schedule hereto. HOUSING 260

RECOMMENDATION 2: Elstree Hill Estate: Vacant Backland at Northern End of Sullivan Way. In order to discourage the misuse of this uncultivated and overgrown plot as a rubbish dump by persons unknown, the tenants of four contiguous Council dwell­ ings have asked that the land be divided and incorporated in their respective rear gardens, and they have undertaken to keep the additional areas in tidy con­ dition. Alternatively, the tenant of another contiguous dwelling has offered a sugges­ tion that the land be cleared, surfaced and fenced for use as a tenants' car park, for which a weekly charge could be levied. This second suggestion is not practicable in the circumstances because the only vehicular access from the land is to the Watford Road, a busy traffic route scheduled to be widened. Your Sub-Committee therefore favour granting the first mentioned request and recommend also the approval of expenditure not exceeding £140 upon the provi­ sion and erection of the necessary additional dividing fencing. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the vacant back land situate at the northern end of Sullivan Way be incorporated in the rear gardens of adjoining Council dwellings in accordance with the joint request (now submitted) of the tenants concerned; and that the necessary additional dividing fencing be provided at an estimated cost not to exceed £140. RECOMMENDATION 3: Space Heating and Domestic Hot Water Services in Council Dwellings: Future Policy. The comprehensive report herein submitted by the Borough Architect pursuant to Housing Committee resolution 2424: 1st November, 1962, has been considered in detail by your Sub-Committee, who note that recommendations contained therein in favour of various central heating systems are, with the approval of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Housing Committee and the Chairman of your Sub-Committee, already being adopted in preparation of new schemes. Your Sub-Committee endorse this course of action and particularly welcome alternatives offered in the report to the use of solid fuel in individual appliances as being progressive steps towards reducing the associated problems of (i) the Council having to provide sufficient storage space in flats for low density smoke­ less solid fuels, and (ii) of tenants (particularly aged persons and occupiers of upper-storey dwellings) in ensuring regular supplies and delivery of such fuels in small quantities, especially during severe weather. Resolved to RECOMMEND: (1) That the various alternative systems recommended in the comprehensive report of the Borough Architect and Planner (now submitted) for space heat­ ing and hot water provision in Council dwellings be adopted as general policy in the preparation of new housing schemes, subject to the Sub-Committee's detailed consideration and approval of the selection of the most practicable and economic system, in the light of experience gained, to suit the special needs of each scheme. (2) That the Housing Committee accept the principle of fixing rents for aged persons' dwellings so as to include a proportion for central heating costs.

PART II.—MINUTES. 773. Election of Chairman: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee defer electing a Chairman for the period ending 31st March, 1965, and appoint Councillor Sellers as Chairman of this meeting. 774. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 25th March, 1964, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a true record. 261 HOUSING

775. Clean Air Act, 1956: Chimney Heights: RESOLVED: That the Sub- Committee note Public Health Committee resolution 3182: 1st April, 1964, con­ cerning Ministry of Housing and Local Government Circular 25/63 and accom­ panying memorandum on this subject. 776. Slum Clearance, Housing and Land Availability in Greater London: With reference to paragraph (1) of Housing Committee resolution 2788: 8th April, 1964, RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the terms of circular letter (16th March, 1964) from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government which, being directed particularly to the amalgamating Authorities, calls for no special action by the Council at this time beyond what is being taken already in the preparation of the current five-year programme and until the Minister issues further guidance and requests more information from the Greater London Authorities next year. 777. Standard Grants: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee receive the details now submitted pursuant to their Recommendation 2: 19th June, 1959, of forty- one further standard grants of a total of £5,385, making a grand total to date of £16,320 in respect of 129 approved applications. (The meeting closed at 8.32 p.m.)

(Signed) A. G. SELLERS, Chairman.

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APPENDIX II.

HOUSING MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE: 2nd July, 1964. Present: Councillor Adkins (in the Chair); Alderman Mrs. Potts, M.B.E.; and Councillors Mrs. Carey, Mrs. Davies, Ellement, Harkett, Harris, Maun, C.C., and Wilmott.

PART I.—RECOMMENDATIONS. RECOMMENDATION 1: Housing Applications Submitted on Special or Hardship Grounds and the General Housing Situation. You Sub-Committee concur in the comments made in the preamble to Recom­ mendation 1 of their Housing Management Special Sub-Committee of 29th May, 1964, reproduced hereunder: — " In their consideration of the cases detailed in the report of the Housing Officer and their perusal of his current progress report (both now submitted), your Sub-Committee feel compelled once again to express their particular con­ cern about the general lack of new accommodation becoming available, coupled with the particularly pressing fact that the temporary accommodation which hitherto has existed for evicted families in County Council hostels, etc. will disappear within the period up to 31st March, 1965, when the London Borough Council of Harrow will become the local welfare authority, and possibly sooner —this Council having, in fact, already given notice to the County Council of the termination by 31st December, 1964, of the arrangements whereby home­ less families are accommodated temporarily in redevelopment area dwellings purchased in advance of requirements. Your Sub-Committee are also concerned about the number of families still living in sub-standard accommodation owned by the Council, as well as the urgent demands of certain old person cases where tenancies are being terminated and/or where aged folk continue to occupy accommodation too large for their needs, with which they have difficulty in coping, both physically and financially. The latter's difficulties could be solved by their being rehoused in a Council flat on their own, while some could cope with the assistance of a warden. The only other alternative is a residential home, which is not available at present, while, if a vacancy occurs under existing conditions such cases receive little priority." Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Housing Committee take note of the terms of the preamble to Recommendation 1 of the Housing Management Special Sub-Committee of 29th May, 1964.

RECOMMENDATION 2: Housing Policy: Suggested Review of Income Qualifica­ tion for Admission to Housing Waiting List. Pursuant to Recommendation 3 of the Housing Management Special Sub- Committee: 29th May, 1964, Resolved to RECOMMEND: That, having regard to general increases in costs and values since 1958, the Housing Committee consider the desirability of increasing the present maximum (£1,000) as the joint income of husband and wife above which applications for admission to the normal housing waiting list will not be accepted, pursuant to resolution 1532: 10th October, 1958. HOUSING 264

PART II.—MINUTES. 1268. Election of Chairman: RESOLVED: That Councillor Adkins be appointed Chairman of the Sub-Committee for the period ending 31st March, 1965.

1269. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting (19th March, 1964) having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a true record.

1270. Housing Applications: Special Cases: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Com­ mittee receive the report of the Housing Management Special Sub-Committee (29th May, 1964), now submitted with the Housing Officer's detailed reports upon the various cases considered, and, in so far as the same requires confir­ mation and is not otherwise dealt with in this report, it be hereby confirmed.

1271. Housing Management Special Sub-Committee: RESOLVED: That Alder­ man Mrs. Potts, M.B.E. and Councillors Harkett, and Mrs. Carey be hereby re-appointed as the Housing Management Special Sub-Committee for the period ending 31st March, 1965.

1272. Application 1230: RESOLVED: That the revised recommendation of the Special Sub-Committee to authorise the granting of this application, to re­ house as and when suitable accommodation becomes available, be approved and hereby confirmed.

1273. Former Application 597: The Sub-Committee took note of the special health considerations in this case, and the circumstances in which the applicant made serious allegations against a Senior Officer of the Council, which subse­ quently were withdrawn, at the instigation of the Town Clerk, and an apology tendered. RESOLVED: To adopt the Special Sub-Committee's recommendation to re­ house the applicant family in this case, as and when suitable accommodation becomes available.

1274. Edgware Golf Course Estate: Proposals for Children's Play Area: Upon a report by the Town Clerk, RESOLVED: That the Education Committee be formally requested to consider making available the Aylward School Playing Field as a playground for children outside normal school hours, there being no other play area available on the Edgware Golf Course Estate.

1275. Poets' Corner Area: Rehousing of Families from 56, Milton Road: RESOLVED: That the application by the Vendor of this dwelling to be rehoused separately from her tenants (her son and his family) on completion of the purchase of the house by the Council, be refused and, in accordance with normal policy in these cases, the families be offered one alternative dwelling of similar accommodation to their present house for their joint occupation.

1276. Purchase of Privately-owned Dwellings on an Exchange Basis from Pen­ sioners: Further Enquiries: RESOLVED: (1) That the Sub-Committee receive the Town Clerk's and Borough Architect and Planner's reports upon nine fur­ ther dwellings offered under this scheme since the Sub-Committee's previous meeting and hereby authorise the Town Clerk to pursue negotiations for acquisition in the following seven cases, subject to the feasibility of satisfactory schemes of conversion at an overall cost within the limits prescribed: — 156 Harrow View, 75 Twyford Road, West Harrow; 34 Tewkesbury Avenue, Pinner; 35 Lankers Drive, 76 Elm Drive, 12 Cambridge Road, North Harrow; and 4 Mayfield Avenue, Kenton. 265 HOUSING

(2) That, for the technical reasons now explained by the Borough Architect and Planner, the offers in respect of 173 Vaughan Road, Harrow, 3 Shrewsbury Avenue, Kenton, and the additional case 216 High Road, Harrow Weald (Resolution 1247: 19th March, 1964) be declined with thanks.

1277. Reorganisation of Housing Section: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee receive the Borough Architect and Planner's interim report upon progress so far achieved in this reorganisation, pursuant to Council resolution 2850 (VIII); and extend their good wishes to the Housing Officer upon his assumption of increased responsibility.

1278. Changes of Tenancies and New Tenancies of Council Dwellings: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee receive the Housing Officer's report and hereby approve and confirm the action taken in connection with the various lettings therein detailed.

1279. "The Callanders," Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note with satisfaction the success that has attended the adaptation and use of this gift property as an old people's communal residence.

1280. Applications to Take Over Tenancies: With reference to paragraph (5) of Resolution 1253: 19th March, 1964, RESOLVED: That, owing to changed cir­ cumstances now reported, the Sub-Committee permit the daughter (now mar­ ried) of the late tenant of 293 Alexandra Avenue to succeed to the tenancy of that flat. (2) That the elderly and partially disabled son of the late tenant of 160 Rayners Lane be permitted to take over temporarily that tenancy, subject to further review when this pre-fabricated building is due to be demolished. (3) That the surviving joint tenant of 127 Greenway, Pinner be permitted to take over the sole tenancy of that dwelling until she can be offered a bed- sitting room flat. (4) That the married daughter of the late tenant of 19 Sitwell Grove, Stan- more, already living in the house with her husband and two children, be per­ mitted to take over the tenancy of the house to provide a home for the late tenant's single daughter, subject to review as and when a change of domestic circumstances may occur. (5) That the application of the unmarried daughter of the late tenant of 49 Church Lane, Wealdstone, to take over the sole occupancy of this five-bedroom house, be refused in accordance with present policy in such cases, and that the applicant be given six months in which to find her own alternative accom­ modation. (6) That the pensioner housekeeper of the late tenant of 47 Charles Crescent, Harrow, be permitted to remain as tenant of the dwelling until she can be re­ housed in smaller aged persons' accommodation. (7) That the two middle-aged spinster daughters of the late tenant of 4, Beatty Road, Stanmore, be permitted to assume the tenancy of the house tem­ porarily until they can be found smaller accommodation.

1281. Application for Joint Tenancy: RESOLVED: That a joint tenancy of 23, The Broadway, Wealdstone, be granted to the widowed tenant and her daugh­ ter (already living there with her child).

1282. Application by Former Joint Tenant: With reference to resolution 1256- 19th March, 1965, RESOLVED: That the renewed application by the former joint tenant of 29 Sitwell Grove, Stanmore, to be re-housed by the Council with her four children be refused. HOUSING 266

1283. Purchased Houses Occupied by M.C.C. Homeless Families: 24, Wdldon Crescent: RESOLVED: That, in the special circumstances of heavy electricity bills now described by the Housing Officer, the Sub-Committee agree to the recently vacated lower part of this property remaining unlet temporarily.

1284. Alexandra Avenue Flats, South Harrow: Caretaker: RESOLVED: That the Housing Officer's report be received.

1285. Housing Statistics: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee receive the detailed reports now submitted pursuant to Resolution 807: 21st June, I960, upon— (i) outstanding housing applications and cases as at 31st May, 1964; (ii) the availability and allocation of Council dwellings from 1st April, 1963 to 31st May 1964; and (iii) the number of applications as at 31st May, 1964 upon the normal, new and expanding towns, and aged persons' waiting lists.

1286. Families Rehoused from Insanitary Dwellings: RESOLVED: That the report now submitted, showing that persons from a further seven insanitary dwellings have been re-housed in Council dwellings since the previous meeting, be received and forwarded to the Public Health Committee.

1287. Transfer of Harrow Families to the New and Expanding Towns: RESOLVEDH That the Sub-Committee receive the Housing Officer's report show­ ing the following numbers of Harrow families transferred up to 31st March, 1964; and note that no further nominations are being accepted by Welwyn and Hatfield Development Corporation: — New Towns Hemel Hempstead ...... 798 Stevenage ...... 659 Crawley ...... 54 Harlow ...... 231 Welwyn and Hatfield ...... 144 Basildon ...... 106 Bracknell ...... 128 Expanded Towns Bletchley ...... 188 Aylesbury ...... 109 Swindon ...... 280 Thetford ...... 10 Basingstoke ...... 19 Haverhill ...... 8 Huntingdon ...... 4 Ashford ...... 1 St. Neots ...... l 2740

1288. Central Harrow and Other Redevelopment: Temporary Use of Properties Purchased in Advance of Requirements: RESOLVED: That the Housing Officer's Situation Report be received.

1289. Outstanding Rent Act Cases: RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee receive the report submitted pursuant to Housing Committee resolution 1473: 22nd October, 1959 showing the present cumulative position as follows: 267 HOUSING

Number involving Court Orders ...... • •• 0 Number involving persons under pensionable age ... 0 Number involving persons over pensionable age ... 4 (6) Number of cases housed by the Council to 31.5.1964: — Subject to court orders ...... 80 (80) Others ...... 58 (56) Total ...... 138(136)*

(including 13 cases where tenants were re-housed from properties by the Council. The figures in brackets were reported to the previous meeting.)

1290. Occupation of Council Dwellings: RESOLVED: That the comprehensive report with tabular statements now submitted by the Housing Officer be received; that the Sub-Committee take note of the trend towards increased under-occupation of family type houses, and decreasing numbers of lodger families, which re-emphasises the urgent need for more smaller type dwellings; and compliment the Housing Officer and his staff upon the detailed presentation of the reports.

1291. Pinner Hill Estate: Matter Concerning Proposed Redevelopment: RESOLVED: That the Housing Officer, in consultation with the Borough Architect and Planner, be hereby allowed a discretion in the matter of not re-letting any of the "Tibbenham " houses that may become vacant, in order to facilitate redevelop­ ment proposals.

1292. Delegation of Routine Matters of Housing Management for Departmental or Administrative Attention: In accordance with Council resolution 1579 (II): 19th December, 1958, the Sub-Committee receive the Housing Officer's periodi­ cal report showing the following numbers of tenants' applications approved administratively in respect of the following, viz: — Erection of garages ...... 2 Erection of sheds ...... 8 Erection of greenhouses ...... 2 Installation of telephones ...... 2 Installation of T.V. Aerials (internal) ...... 1 Installation of T.V. Aerials (external) ...... 3

1293. 1, The Close, Pinner: RESOLVED: That, upon a request by the Ministry of Labour Disablement Resettlement Bureau, and pursuant to paragraph 11 of Conditions of Tenancy, permission be hereby granted to allow the disabled house-bound tenant to carry out repairs to small electrical equipment (razors, etc.), at this dwelling.

1294. Temporary Rehousing of Persons from an Insanitary Dwelling: 36, Butler Road, Harrow: With reference to Public Health Committee resolution 3233: 1st July, 1964, RESOLVED: That approval be hereby given to the temporary re-housing in a Council-owned dwelling of three adults from 36, Butler Road, Harrow, while extensive repairs are undertaken there; subject to the Town Clerk receiving satisfactory assurances that the applicants' existing tenancy will endure.

1295. Old Persons' Dwellings: Communal Telephone Facilities: Rayners Lane Estate: The Chairman commented that the telephone had recently been in­ stalled in the Communal Room instead of in the flats entrance hall, and this HOUSING 268

was not available for emergency and general use as intended. The Housing Officer reported that this was an error, and would have to be rectified by the Post Office. (The meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.) (Signed) FREDERICK ADKINS, Chairman.

SCHEDULE. HOUSING MANAGEMENT SPECIAL 29th May, 1964. SUB-COMMITTEE: Present: Alderman Mrs. Potts, M.B.E. (in the Chair) and Councillors Mrs. Carey and Harkett.

PART I.—RECOMMENDATIONS. RECOMMENDATION 1: Housing Applications Submitted on Special or Hardship Grounds. In their consideration of the cases detailed in the report of the Housing Officer and their perusal of his current progress report (both now submitted), your Sub- Committee feel compelled once again to express their particular concern about the general lack of new accommodation becoming available, coupled with the particularly pressing fact that the temporary accommodation which hitherto has existed for evicted families in County Council hostels, etc. will disappear within the period up to 31st March, 1965, when the London Borough Council of Harrow will become the local welfare authority, and possibly sooner—this Council having, in fact, already given notice to the County Council of the termination by 31st December, 1964, of the arrangements whereby homeless families are accom­ modated temporarily in redevelopment area dwellings purchased in advance of requirements. Your Sub-Committee are also concerned about the number of families still living in sub-standard accommodation owned by the Council, as well as the urgent demands of certain old person cases where tenancies are being terminated and/or where aged folk continue to occupy accommodation too large for their needs, with which they have difficulty in coping, both physically and financially. The latter's difficulties could be solved by their being rehoused in a Council flat on their own, while some could cope with the assistance of a warden. The only other alternative is a residential home, which is not available at present, while, if a vacancy occurs under existing conditions such cases receive little priority. Bearing all the foregoing considerations in mind, which, of course, render your Sub-Committee's task that much more difficult to perform, the following recom­ mendations are submitted. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That action be taken upon the various applications and cases detailed in the report of the Housing Officer (29th May, 1964: now submitted) as recom­ mended respectively hereunder, which recommendations should be read in conjunction with such report. Page Item Application/Case No. Recommendation (See Housing Officer's report). Rehousing of families from Insanitary Dwellings: 1 1 1041) Rehouse families as and when suitable accommodation becomes available, it being anticipated that considerable delay will arise in both cases. 2238 Refuse because applications are husband and wife only below pensionable age. 269 HOUSING

Page Item Application/Case No. Recommendation Normal Waiting List Applications (registered before 24/1/1964) involving special circumstances and/or health considerations: 2 2 167A Defer consideration pending further developments. 2/3 2 345 Application to be regarded as a two- bedroom deficiency case. 3 2 555A Rehouse applicant family as and when suitable accommodation becomes avail­ able. 3/4 2 566A Defer consideration for further informa­ tion. 4 2 641 Rehouse applicant family as and when suitable accommodation becomes avail­ able. 4/5 2 902A Defer pending decision on recommenda­ tion 3 hereunder. 5 2 1171 No special action at present. 5 2 1172 Retain application oft housing list but defer taking any special action thereon while applicant's lack of accommodation is not acute. 6 2 1230 Defer consideration until urgent welfare aspects described in the preamble to this recommendation have been clarified upon assumption of new powers by London Borough of Harrow.

Applications registered after 24/1/1964 involving special circumstances: 6/7 3 276A No special action. 7 3 338A Defer consideration pending policy deci­ sion on Recommendation 3. 7 3 370A No special action.

Unregistered cases involving special circumstances and/or health considerations: 8 4 2227 Refuse because applicants are man and wife only under pensionable age. 8 4 2228-j Rehouse applicant family as and when I suitable accommodation becomes avail- 2229J able. 9 4 2230 Defer consideration for further informa­ tion. 9 4 2234 Rehouse applicant family as and when suitable accommodation becomes avail­ able. 10 4 2235 Rehouse applicant family as soon as possible, in view of a Court Order for possession having been granted with effect from 22nd June, 1964.

Former applicants' cases involving special circumstances: 10 5 597 (former) 11 5 1154 i Rehouse applicant families as and when (former) ! suitable accommodation becomes avail- 11 5 5645 I able, (former) ' HOUSING 270

Page Item Application/Case No. Recommendation Applications by Ex-Regular Servicemen for rehousing within the Borough: 12 6 RS/42 Add application to normal waiting list without imposing the two-year additional waiting period. 12 6 RS/77 Add application to new waiting list (i.e. applying the two-year additional waiting period). Aged persons' applications involving special circumstances and/or health con­ siderations: J3 7 OAP/W/163A 1 Rehouse applicants as and when suitable <3 7 OAP/W/191A J accommodation becomes available. 13 7 OAP/W/224A Defer consideration to enable enquiries to be made of the applicants' adult children about the possibility of their assisting with their mother's rehousing problem. 14 7 OAP/W/248A \ Rehouse applicants as and when suitable OAP/W/430 J accommodation becomes available. Unregistered aged persons' cases involving special circumstances and/or health considerations: 14/15 8 jsQfil Rehouse applicants as and when suitable 15 „ 01 no I accommodation becomes available. 16 o ZlUoJ 16 8 2221 Refuse because there is no housing need nor is there any suitable ground floor accommodation available. 16/17 8 2225 Rehouse applicant as and when suitable accommodation becomes available. 17 8 2237 Refuse on grounds of insufficient residence qualification. Rent Act cases involving aged persons: 17/18 9 2152 Defer consideration to enable enquiries to be made of National Assistance Board as to amount of rent allowance the applicant would receive if he accepted his landlord's latest offer. 18 9 22191 Rehouse applicants as and when suitable 2222J accommodation becomes available. 19 9 2224 Defer consideration until Housing Com­ mittee have reached a decision on other matters with which this case is involved. 19 9 2226 Rehouse applicants as and when suitable accommodation becomes available.

RECOMMENDATION 2: Case 2201. The application in this case is submitted by an elderly widow having residing with her a middle-aged brother; their accommodation comprising a 3-bedroom house, the tenancy of which expired on 25th March, 1964, and will not be renewed by the landlords. The case was first considered on 6th March, 1964, when con­ sideration was deferred to await developments but it has now 'been re-submitted by the Housing Officer because the tenant has received notice to quit on 21st June, 1964 The household income exceeds £20 per week. Your Sub-Committee recom­ mend that no action be taken upon the application. 271 HOUSING

Resolved to RECOMMEND: That no action be taken upon the application in Case 2201. RECOMMENDATION 3: Housing Policy: Suggested Review of Income Qualifi­ cation. One of the basic qualifications for admittance to the housing waiting list in­ troduced under the new policy approved by Council resolution 1532: 10th October, 1958, was that the joint gross income of husband and wife should not normally exceed £1,000 per annum. Owing to the general increases in costs and values that have occurred since 1958, your Sub-Committee recommend that an upward review of the present £1,000 maximum is justified. Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Housing Committee be recommended to agree an increase of the present maximum (£1,000) as the joint income of husband and wife above which applications for admission to the housing list will not be accepted; and to recommend the Council accordingly. PART II.—MINUTES. 171. Election of Chairman: RESOLVED: That Alderman Mrs. Potts, M.B.E., be elected Chairman of the Special Sub-Committee for this meeting. Whereupon Alderman Mrs. Potts took the Chair. 172. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 6th March, 1964, be signed as a true record. 173. Progress Report: RESOLVED: That the Housing Officer's Progress Report on outstanding cases be received. (The meeting terminated at 12.35 p.m.) (Signed) ISABEL M. POTTS, Chairman.

APPENDIX III. RENT ARREARS SUB-COMMITTEE: 8th July, 1964. Present: Aldermen Cutler, O.B.E., C.C., (in the Chair) and Mrs. Potts, M.B.E. and Councillors Mrs. Carey, Clack and Lovell, B.E.M.

PART I.—RECOMMENDATIONS. RECOMMENDATION 1: Arrears of Rent at Tenant's Death: 19, The Bye Way, Wealdstone. Rent amounting to £2 2s. 5d. remains outstanding at the recent death of this tenant. As there is no estate on which to make a claim, your Sub-Committee have Resolved to RECOMMEND: That the Finance Committee be recommended, for the reasons above stated, to write off as irrecoverable rent amounting to £2 2s. 5d. outstanding at the death of the tenant of 19, The Bye Way, Wealdstone. RECOMMENDATION 2: Rent Arrears: 30, The Bye Way, Wealdstone. The occupiers of this dwelling are two single sons of the deceased tenant who applied unsuccessfully to succeed to the tenancy and, pursuant to normal policy in such cases, are under notice to quit by 7th December, 1964. HOUSING 272

There appears to be no valid excuse for the present arrears of £20 11s. 4d. and your Sub-Committee therefore have Resolved to RECOMMEND: (1) That the notice to quit served upon the occupiers of 30, The Bye Way, pursuant to Housing Management Sub-Committee resolution 1253: 19th March, 1964, be withdrawn and that fresh notice to surrender vacant possession in one month, be served. (2) That if the arrears are cleared within the period of one month the Town Clerk be authorised to serve a fresh notice for the period remaining to 7th December, 1964, to restore the status quo, but if they are not he shall proceed for possession immediately upon expiry of the shorter notice.

PART II.—MINUTES. 642. Election of Chairman: RESOLVED: That Alderman Cutler be appointed Chairman of the Sub-Committee for the period ending 31st March, 1965. 643. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 3rd April, 1964, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a true record. 644. Arrears of Rent of Council Properties Due from Present Tenants: RESOLVED: That the action specified in column (9) of Schedule I of this report (separately circulated) be taken in respect of arrears of rent due from present tenants of the Council dwellings respectively indicated in column (2) thereof. 645. Arrears of Rent of Council Properties Due from Present Tenants Whose Cases have been Referred to County Welfare Authorities: RESOLVED: That the action specified in column (12) of Schedule II of this report (separately circulated) be taken in respect of arrears of rent due from present tenants of the Council dwellings respectively indicated in column (2) thereof. 646. Arrears of Rent in Respect of Dwellings Scheduled for Demolition: RESOLVED: That the action specified in column (9) of Schedule III of this report (separately circulated) be taken in respect of arrears of rent due from present tenants of the Council dwellings respectively indicated in column (2) thereof. 647. Arrears of Rent of Council Properties Due from Former Tenants: RESOLVED: That the action specified in column (7) of Schedule IV of this report (separately circulated) be taken in respect of rent due from former tenants of the Council dwellings respectively indicated in column (2) thereof. 648. Graphs Showing Trend of Rent Arrears: Pursuant to resolution 600 (2): 13th September, 1963, the Borough Treasurer submitted graphs showing the trend of rent arrears in normal Council dwellings only. RESOLVED: That the graphs be received and submitted (if required) to the next meeting of the Housing Committee.

649. Comparative Statement of Rent Arrears: Pursuant to resolution 601, 13th September, 1963: the Borough Treasurer submitted this statement (reproduced as an appendix hereto) showing separately (i) normal Council house cases; (ii) welfare cases; and (iii) those concerning miscellaneous (Schedule III dwellings). RESOLVED: That the report be received.

650. Rent Collection Methods: (A) District Offices: With reference to recom­ mendation 1 of 3rd April, 1964, and upon the Borough Treasurer's oral report— 273 HOUSING

RESOLVED : That the Sub-Committee note that the two Pinner Rent Collecting Sub-Offices were operating satisfactorily; that the Whitchurch Institute would not be available for hire but that the Communal Room at the Edgware Golf Course Estate could be utilised instead; and that it seemed probable that use of the Communal Room at Woodlands Estate on one afternoon weekly would be more successful than the present arrangement of keeping an office open in the Borough Treasurer's Office at " Woodlands " during normal office hours. (B) Fifty-Week Calculation: RESOLVED: That the desirability of re-introduc­ ing this method be considered at the next meeting. 651. Next Meeting: RESOLVED: That the next meeting of the Sub-Committee be held at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 15th September, 1964. (The meeting ended at 1.02 p.m.) (Signed) H. W. CUTLER, Chairman.

SCHEDULE COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF RENT ARREARS HOUSING 18.6.62 17.6.63 3.2.64 23.3.64 29.6.64 Number of Houses Subject to fortnightly collection ... 5,120 5,169 5,180 5,132 5,182 Total Art-ears £ £ £ £ £ Re: Demolition Properties 148 178 221 Re: Payments due in respect of cases referred to County Welfare Authorities 203 196 189 Other ...... 3,149 2,751 3,761 Total Current Tenants...... 3,700 3,850 3,500 3,125 4,171 Total Former Tenants ...... 94 200 487 303 311 Total ... 3,794 4,050 3,987 3,428 4,482 Approximate amount of Arrears per dwelling: Fortnightly collection ...... 14/5d. 14/lld. 13/6d. 12/2d. 16/ld. Total arrears expressed as a percentage of Annual Gross Rent ...... 0-52 0-54 0-5 0-44 0-56 Amounts written off ...... Nil Nil Nil £230 Nil Number of Tenants in Arrear: Subject to fortnightly collection ... 972 938 760 646 837 Number of Tenants whose accounts were clear on the previous collection and who now owe: Two weeks or less (fortnightly collection) 224 344 227 174 229