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45
started of overcrowded families, coming to the notice of the Department.
During that period details of some 68 families have been recorded, in
16 of which the overcrowding was subsequently abated by rehousing. At
the end of the year there were 52 cases on the register. Generally
speaking however, serious overcrowding is much reduced and the majority
of cases coming to the notice of the department are invariably overcrowded
to the extent of ½ to 1 unit. Fortyfour such families were
reported to the appropriate authority during 1958.
Seven new instances of wilful overcrowding came to light during
the year. In each case strongly worded letters were sent to the landlord
and tenant, and in three instances the overcrowding was subsequently
abated. In the remaining four cases because conditions were considered
not to be sufficiently serious, or on humanitarian grounds, it was
decided not to institute legal proceedings.
Rehousing
Applications for rehousing by the Borough Council are made to the
Housing Manager and these have been assessed for some years according
to a points scheme. When accompanied by medical certificates to support
the application on medical grounds these have been referred to the
Medical Officer of Health. Enquiries are then made by the Nurse/Visitor
into the detailed nature of the family health, and the apparent bearing
on this of the accommodation in use and when desirable, an inspection
is carried out by the Public Health Inspector.
These reports are then correlated with the medical certificates,
and a degree of medical priority is then allotted.

Applications for rehousing by the London County Council are made
to that body. Reports are then frequently asked for and supplied in
regard to the existing overcrowding and sanitary defects. If accompanied
by medical certificates further information is given on request
to the Divisional Medical Officer of the London County Council who is
responsible for allocating priorities on medical grounds.