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54
It cannot be disputed that at the present time in Chelsea, as in other
Metropolitan Boroughs, there is considerable dearth of accommodation
both for the working classes, and for the classes in receipt of small salaries
or earnings, and that, as elsewhere, this situation is primarily due to the
restrictions imposed upon the building trades during the war and the
economic disturbances which have succeeded it.
It will, however, be evident from the details already given that the
existing shortage of housing accommodation in Chelsea is being most
adequately dealt with and that the extremely difficult problems which
confronted the Borough Council subsequent to the war are gradually
being overcome. In this connection the invaluable services rendered
by a former Mayor (Mr. Councillor C. B. Clapcott, O.B.E.), and the
Chairman of the Housing Committee (Mr. Councillor E. B. Baggallay)
will always be remembered with appreciation in the municipality.
Overcrowding.—During the period 1st November—4th December,
1935, a Survey of Working Class dwelling houses in the Borough was
carried out in accordance with the requirements of Part 1, section 1,
of the Housing Act, 1935. The total number of houses dealt with and
recorded was 5,112. The total number of families comprised in the
enumeration was 8,496, and judged by the standard laid down in the Housing
Act, 1935, 746 of these families were found to be living in overcrowded
conditions—a percentage of 8.78 for the Borough as a whole. The problem
of abating overcrowding is receiving close consideration by a Special
Committee of the Council. Many cases when approached as to the
desirability of having their names submitted to the County Council, with
a view to provision of housing on one of the Council's Estates, decline to
consider the proposition, on the ground that the distance of the County
Council's Estates from their work is too great. Others have become
attached to the district and will not contemplate forsaking existing
interests and associations. Owing to the extreme difficulty of finding
alternative accommodation it has not been found practicable to deal with
more than a proportion of the cases of overcrowding during the year.
Whenever possible, arrangements are made with the London County
Council for the provision of a house for the overcrowded family.
Twenty-six such families obtained accommodation on the Council's
Estates during the year. Further, when vacant tenements become
available in the Borough Council's dwellings preferential treatment is
as far as possible given to cases of overcrowding. With a view to preventing
a recurrence of overcrowding in premises which are being vacated
because of their overcrowded condition, a cautionary letter is always
sent to the landlord concerned, warning him that action will be taken
against him in the event of a recurrence of overcrowded conditions in
the premises.
Fitness of Houses.—The general standard of housing in the Borough
is satisfactory. There has been a very definite improvement in housing
conditions during the past nine years. The vast majority of houses have
an adequate internal water supply and adequate sanitary accommodation
within their own curtilage. The constant vigilance of the Sanitary
Inspectors has impressed upon both owners and tenants their determination
that every dwelling house shall be maintained in a reasonable state
of repair and that there shall be systematic observance of cleanliness.