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Overcrowding.
Cases of statutory overcrowding which came to the notice
of the Public Health Department during the year numbered 117.
In every case certificates of overcrowding were forwarded to the
Director of Housing and Valuer, London County Council, and
to this Council's Housing Department in support of housing
applications by the families concerned. Ninety-nine overcrowded
families were rehoused during the year, 67 by the London
County Council and 32 by the Borough Council.
Medical Grounds for Rehousing.
The Camberwell Borough Council's Points Scheme has for
its main object not so much the determination finally of those
cases whose housing need is greatest, but the provision of a
method of preliminary selection out ot the numerous applications
which have been registered.
All applicants eligible for consideration are grouped for
statistical and record purposes into five main groups. The
Medical Group includes : —
(a) Pulmonary tuberculosis cases and certified contacts of
pulmonary tuberculosis supported by medical certificates
from the Chest Physician of the local Chest
Clinic. Twenty points are allotted for these cases.
(b) Health cases supported by medical certificates from
the Medical Officer of Health recommending either
preference on general health grounds or the necessity
for the provision of alternative accommodation on a
lower level. These cases receive ten points.
(c) Cases of statutory overcrowding confirmed by the
Medical Officer of Health for which ten points are
awarded.
The number of applicants who produce some medical
evidence in support of their housing applications is not negligible.
Four hundred and forty-seven such cases were referred to the
Medical .Officer of Health during the year under review. The
weight which is to be attached to these medical conditions varies
to a great extent.
A follow-up survey has been made of thirty-three families
re-housed during 1952 in newly built accommodation who were
recommended for the award of additional points on medical
grounds and who have been in occupation of their present
premises for not less than six months. In twenty-two cases it
was stated that there had been considerable improvement in
the medical condition for which points were alotted; slight
improvement was reported in four instances; in four cases