View report page

80
Section G.
HOUSING.
I.—General Housing Conditions in the Borough.
(1) General Housing Conditions.—The Housing problem is still
acute though probably not so much as in 1920. Housing accommodation
is very difficult to obtain in Hampstead to-day, the letting of houses has
practically ceased in the Borough, and only a few houses are sold and
that at a high rate. In the working-class districts the density of the
population and the number of persons per house is greater than I have
ever known it.
(2) (a) Extent of shortage or excess of houses and (b) Meamre taken
or contemplated to meet any shortage.—As previously stated, the pressure
on existing housing accommodation in Hampstead can best be relieved
by building operations elsewhere and by improved means of transport, &c.
(3) Information as to any important changes in population during the
year or anticipated in the future.—There does not appear to be any
likelihood of much variation in the near future in the population either
as regards their manner of housing or social status.
II.—Overcrowding.
(1) Extent.—It is not uncommon to assume that any of the population
who are living more than two in a room are overcrowded. This
has always been the assumption in Hampstead, and although I regret
that as the Census figures are not yet published, no accurate information
on this subject can be given, yet I am of opinion there is more overcrowding
than has been ever known.
(2) Causes.—As already stated, the overcrowding is the result,
principally, of the increased population without any corresponding
increase in dwellings.
(3) Measures taken or contemplated for dealing with overcrowding.—
During the year rapid progress was made with the Council's Scheme at
South End Close. Of the 140 flats comprised in 4 blocks which the
Council are erecting there, 40 became occupied. The full detailed
account of this Scheme was contained in my last Annual Report. These
4 blocks of flats will be completed within 1922, and will provide additional
accommodation for from 400 to 500 people.
(4) Principal cases of overcrowding during the year and action taken —
Of the cases of overcrowding discovered during the year, in only one