IMPROVEMENT OF TOWNS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 64, 13 September 1909, Page 7

IMPROVEMENT OF TOWNS.

« MR./ BURNS'S BILL REACHES THE LORDS. By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. (Received September 13, 8.15 a.m.) LONDON, 12th September. The Housing and Town Planning Bill, I introduced by Mr. John Burns, Presij dent of the Local Government Beard, has passed all its stages in the House of Conanons, and been read a first., time in the House of Lords. I The Bill tends to increase very largely the powers of the Local Government Board. The powers now conferred on local authorities are very largely permissive. Local authorities can undertake the pioblem whole-heartedly, or they can leave it alone. Mr. Burns proposes to give power to the central authority, the Local Government Board, to oblige local bodies to do their duty in ordering the repair of insanitary or dilapidated buildings, purchasing land, and erecting dwellings under the Housing Acls. An important part of the Bill is that which enables the local authority to regulate and contiol the developments of town and village. The planning of new communities is a subject in which hitherto British municipalities have been sadly lacking. The jei-iy-builder works his will, and no thought is taken for the ' morrow, either as regards the substance of the building or its design and situation. If Mr. Burns can safely romedy this evil he will deserve the thanks of the present and future generations.