London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Greenwich 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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56
SECTION D.
HOUSING.
OVERCROWDING.—The 1st July was the appointed day,
after which fresh overcrowding became an offence, and between
February and June the second portion of the overcrowding
survey was carried out. Particulars were obtained as to some 15,000
dwellings including 2,000 dwellings belonging to the Borough
Council and the London County Council. For this purpose a
temporary staff of 12 measurers, 12 assistants, and four clerks
was appointed. As a result of this survey it was ascertained
that the number of dwellings overcrowded was 751, the number
of persons involved being 4,435.
In accordance with an arrangement made between the Borough
Council and the London County Council, the County Council agreed
to provide accommodation for the abatement of overcrowding in
cases referred from the local authority.
Overcrowded Cases Relieved.—The total number of cases
of overcrowding relieved during 1937 was 261. Of this number 34
were cases which were definitely given new housing accommodation
as the result of official recommendation ; the remainder were due,
either to movement of families, or cases, hitherto overcrowded,
now owing to marriages, deaths, etc. being within the "permitted
number" in accordance with the Housing Act, 1936.
Families Overcrowded.—The subjoined table shows at a glance the number of families and number of persons included in those families who were overcrowded at the end of the year.
| In private houses | 496 | 2,773 |
| In L.C.C. houses | 102 | 6061 |
| In Borough Council houses | 81 | 622 |
| In Clearance Areas | 72 | 4331 |
| • Total | 751 | Total 4,435 |
Children over 1 yr. of ago and under 10 yrs. are counted half a unit.