For section 605 there shall be substituted the following section—

“605 Consideration by local housing authority of housing conditions in their district.

(1)

The local housing authority shall at least once in each year consider the housing conditions in their district with a view to determining what action to take in performance of their functions under—

(a)

Part VI (repair notices);

(b)

Part IX (slum clearance);

(c)

Part XI (houses in multiple occupation);

(d)

Part VII of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (renewal areas); and

(e)

Part VIII of that Act (grants towards cost of improvements and repairs etc.).

(2)

For the purposes of carrying out their duty under subsection (1), the authority and their officers shall comply with any directions the Secretary of State may give and shall keep such records and supply him with such information as he may specify.”