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(m) HOUSING
There is no doubt that a pressing social deficiency of modern
times is illustrated by the number of applicants for Council houses on the
waiting list. Not all applicants are, of course, in urgent need hut many
are living in circumstances which place intolerable stresses and strains
on family relationships and increase the opportunity for mental and physical
ill-health to occur.
I am indebted to the Chief Housing Officer for the following
information:-
(1) During the year 244 units of accommodation were completed of which
30 were flatlets for elderly persons.
(2) 19 applicants on the housing waiting list were re-housed on medical
grounds following recommendation for priority made by the Medical
Officer of Health.
(3) On 31st December, 1965, there were 2,148 applications on the Council's
housing waiting list.
(4) 389 families were re-housed and a further 96 were re-accommodated from
property required for demolition,,
(5) Including miscellaneous properties there were 4,145 premises under
the control of the Borough Council, of these 89 units are provided
for elderly persons under the supervision of a warden. 11%
of projected building is to be designated for elderly persons.
Medical Priorities for Housing Applicants
Those applicants whose housing circumstances are such that their health
is seriously suffering therefrom are granted a degree of priority on the
housing waiting list according to the urgency of the medical circumstances.
Each case is thoroughly investigated before a recommendation is made to the
Housing Committee.
Between 1st April and 31st December, 1965, 134 cases were referred
to the Medical Officer of Health for assessment of priorities on medical
grounds.