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Since the last Report was issued, the Ministry of Health has
accepted the statement of the Southgate Borough Council that
there are no "slums" or "slum property" in the district. While
eminently satisfactory, this does not mean that housing inspection
must in any way be neglected, or that additional Council houses
should not be built. There is still need for such accommodation
at a low rental, whether flats or otherwise, a need which may be
revealed in a much clearer light if and when the new proposed
Housing Act comes into being.
Overcrowding.—Three cases of overcrowding in a mild form
were reported during 1934. It was possible in all instances to
effect material improvement in the conditions under which the
families lived.
Rent Restrictions Acts.—Under the provisions of these Acts,
one application was received from an occupier for a certificate to
the effect that his house was not in a reasonable state of repair. A
special inspection was made, following which a certificate was
granted.
In addition to the above, four applications were received from
owners of premises for certificates that the necessary work to put
the premises into a reasonable state of repair had been executed.
Certificates were granted in all four cases.
Rats and Mice Destruction Act.—This Act is administered
in the Southgate area by the Middlesex County Council. Numerous
complaints were again received during the year as to the presence
of rats in various parts of the district. These complaints were all
investigated in the first instance by the Sanitary staff and handed
over to the Rat Destruction Officer when necessary.
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