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In five streets in the Notting Dale area there are seven houses capable of receiving 272 single
women and two houses licensed to accommodate 120 single men. It is difficult to avoid the
conclusion that the presence of this population of 392 persons, who for the most part come from
the lowest ranks of society, must necessarily constitute an effective bar to the progress of social
reform in the neighbourhood where the common lodging houses are situated.
The inspection of common lodging houses is carried out by the inspectors of the London
County Council, who exercise effective control under a system of annual licensing. If a house is
not kept in conformity with the by-laws, the renewal of the license can be refused, and in this
way the necessity for resorting to the cumbersome procedure of prosecution for each offence as it
arises is avoided. The adoption of a similar system of annual licensing would materially
strengthen the hands of the Sanitary Inspectors in dealing with the houses let in furnished
lodgings, and special powers for the control of such houses are needed.
THE COUNCIL'S HOUSING PROGRAMME.
The provision of additional housing accommodation under the Housing, Town Planning, etc.,
Act, 1919, and amending Acts has been delegated by the Council to a Special Housing Committee,
which Committee have been given all the powers possessed by the Council in regard to the
preparation and execution of housing schemes except the power to borrow money or make
a rate.
After considering a report submitted by the Medical Officer of Health in 1919, which indicated
that 314 houses would be required in the next three years to meet the needs of the Borough, the
Special Housing Committee prepared three schemes which have been approved by the Council and
the Ministry of Health. The following are particulars in regard to each scheme:—
(a) Scheme for the Purchase and Conversion into Flats of Large Houses.
The Ministry of Health, acting as agents of the Council, have purchased, in the
northern half of the Borough, 19 houses and His Majesty's Office of Works,
also acting as agents of the Council, have converted these into 102 flats or
maisonettes.
The conversions were completed during the year and all the flats have been
assigned to the Council and are now occupied.

* Exclusive of rates, etc. All others are inclusive.