(1)A local authority may provide housing accommodation—
(a)by the erection of houses on any land acquired or appropriated by them;
(b)by the conversion of any buildings into houses;
(c)by acquiring houses;
(d)by altering, enlarging, repairing or improving any houses or other buildings which have, or a right or interest in which has, been acquired by the local authority.
(2)For the purpose of supplying the needs for housing accommodation in its area, a local authority may exercise any of its powers under subsection (1) outside that area.
(3)A local authority may alter, enlarge, repair or improve any house provided by them under subsection (1).
(4)For the purposes of this Part the provision of housing accommodation includes the provision of—
(a)a cottage with a garden of not more than one acre;
(b)a hostel.
(5)In this section "hostel" means—
(a)in relation to a building provided or converted before 3 July 1962, a building in which is provided, for persons generally or for any class or classes of persons, residential accommodation (otherwise than in separate and self-contained dwellings) and board;
(b)in relation to a building provided or converted on or after 3 July 1962, a building in which is provided, for persons generally or for any class or classes of persons, residential accommodation (otherwise than in houses) and either board or common facilities for the preparation of food adequate to the needs of those persons or both.