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9
dwellings only on each floor and so obviating the necessity for
outside balconies would be more suited to the average needs.
The rent forms so prominent a part of the family budget that its
importance in connection with rehousing is paramount. The cost
of lighting and warming two or three rooms is considerable, so
it is not surprising to find in the colder months that families in new
dwellings congregate in one room and leave the others vacant.
This practice has been not infrequently noted when cases of
infectious disease have been visited. A rent of 12s. to 18s. per week
for one large room requiring one light and one fire is paid in Lambeth
to-day by families who could not afford the same rent for a Council
dwelling requiring several lights and more than one fire. In such
instances to rehouse the family merely increases their poverty,
which remains with them to stultify the benefit of the better
housing conditions.