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50
OVERCROWDING
In view of the shortage of housing accommodation, created by
the war, the Council had up to 1958 operated the overcrowding
provisions of the Housing Acts under a special scheme. In November,
1958, however, it was decided to deal with all cases of overcrowding
on the strict interpretation of the standards laid down in the Housing
Act, 1957s distinguishing between "penal" and "non-penal" cases.
The number of new cases of overcrowding reported to the
Committee during 1961 was 100, giving an equivalent number of persons
of 401. The total number of overcrowding cases which were recorded
during the year as having been abated was 120, comprising a total of
504½ units.
ASSESSMENT OF HOUSING PRIORITIES ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
During the year 158 applications for re-housing on medical
grounds were examined, and recommendations for the award of additional
points were made to the Chief Housing Officer. In each case the
precise medical condition and resultant disability were determined
(frequently necessitating communication with the family doctor or with
the hospital attended). The premises were inspected in detail to
ascertain the extent and nature of the existing accommodation; the
adequacy of day and sleeping space; the risk of infection; the
existence of remediable or irremediable sanitary or structural defects,
and the existence of inconveniences, such as stairs, which might be
prejudicial to the patient.
On this information and that supplied by the Chief Housing
Officer, an assessment of points to be awarded on medical grounds
was made in 157 cases.
PROVISION OF NEW HOUSING ACCOMMODATION
The post-war housing schemes completed in Kensington by
the Council have provided. 1,698 flats* The total number of
properties under Council management at the end of 1961 is summarised
in the following tables-
Housing properties
1890 Act 18
Cottage Estates 219
1919 Conversions 96
Pre-war Flats 293
Sundry Properties 6l 687
Temporary Bungalows 48
Compulsory Purchase Area/properties 9
1949 Act Conversions 107
Post—war Flats 1.698 1,862
Nos.27/29, Hazlewood Crescent 10
Properties formerly requisitioned
(in Family Units) 421
Other Properties
Henry Dickens Court Garages 10
Ingelow House Garages 12
25, Basing Street Garages 2
Gadsden Mews Stores and Stables 17
Lonsdale Mews Stores and Stables 17
Treverton Street Garages and Shops 14 72
3,052