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(2) A dwelling is overcrowded if the number of persons sleeping in it is more than the
permitted number, or is such that two or more of those persons, being ten years
old or over, of opposite sexes (not being persons living together as husband and wife)
must sleep in the same room.
(3) The permitted number for the dwelling to which this (Rent Book) ( )
relates is persons. In counting the number of persons each child under ten
years of age counts as half a person, and a child of less than one year is not counted
at all.#
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(4) The Act contains special provisions relating to overcrowding already existing on the
above-Vnentioned date or which is due to a child attaining the age of either one or ten
years after that date, or which is due to exceptional circumstances. Full information
about these special provisions and all provisions as to overcrowding can be
obtained free on application to the borough council, whose address is Town Hall,
Kensington, W.8.
The Act provides that the council shall, upon application of either the landlord or occupier, give
in writing the permitted number of persons in respect of the dwelling-house owned or occupied
by the applicant.
In order to deal with the maximum number of -applications from owners for permitted
numbers, the council during the summer of 1936 authorised the employment of survey assistants
up to a total of six for the purpose of measuring rooms in connection with these applications. In
1938, however, it was found necessary to employ only one assistant. The following table shows
particulars of the work carried out during 1938 :—
Number of applications received ... ... ... ... ... 223
Number of houses involved in these applications ... ... 3,273
By-laws for Houses let in Lodgings.
The total number of houses let in lodgings on the register at the end of the year was 3,097, and
the number of inspections of these houses during the year was 8,627. The number of houses cleansed
as a result of notices served under the by-laws was 768.
New £v-laws were made by the London county council which are substantially the same as the
old bj^d with the addition of the power to prevent nuisances in closed rooms. They came into
openypnn on the 1st January, 1939.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
The number of written intimation notices served in respect of defects or nuisances in dwellings
was 2,377. In the vast majority of cases the work required was carried out without further action
on the part of the council, but it was necessary to issue 462 statutory notices and 97 final notices;
and fourteen summonses were eventually served. The following list shows the major improvements
secured :—
Houses cleansed 1,549
House drains reconstructed 136
„ „ additions to 489
Defective drains repaired 260
House drains cleansed. 261
Water closets reconstructed or repaired 512
(new) provided. 490
„ „ supplied with water 347
Soilpipes ventilated, repaired, etc 192
(new) provided 291
Ventilating pipes (new) provided 221
Baths (new) provided 560
Sinks (new) provided 1,011
Lavatory basins (new) provided 935
Waste pipes (new) provided 1,099
Cisterns cleansed, covered, etc. 391
Taps fixed on rising main 340
Yards and areas, paved, drained, repaired 511
Dustbins provided . 591
Ashpits a-Dolished 17
Accumulations of filth, etc., removed 499
Roofs repaired 375
Houses provided with water above basement floor 66
Dampness in dwellings remedied 732
Ventilated food cupboards provided. 409
Artificial lighting of staircases provided 40