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48
General Housing Conditions.—The houses in the
Borough are mainly occupied by the artisan class. They
are mostly houses of three and four stories let in flats and
rooms.
The water closet accommodation, whilst conforming
with the standard laid down for tenement houses, cannot
be considered satisfactory, as in many instances two or
more families use the same water closet. These premises
were originally occupied by one family.
Supply of Houses—Overcrowding.—Overcrowding still
exists in the Borough owing to the housing shortage.
Hundreds of applications for houses remain on the
waiting list of the Council despite the fact that the list
has been closed for a very long time.
Applications received in the Public Health Department
are investigated, particulars obtained and a report sent to
the Town Clerk for submission to the appropriate Committee.
The question is one of considerable difficulty and
anxiety inasmuch as action must be taken to deal with
cases found to be legally overcrowded.
Action has been taken in some cases where the officers
have been satisfied that the occupiers have not made any
endeavour to find other accommodation.
It appears in some cases that the tenants do not desire
to obtain other accommodation as it would mean an
increase of rent.
There are, however, very many cases in which, although
not legally overcrowded, the families are living under
conditions prejudicial to their health—the standard laid
down as to cubic capacity being a very low one.
Experience shows that parents with children have the
greatest difficulty in obtaining better accommodation.
Those who are responsible for the letting of vacant
rooms or houses are not willing to accept them as tenants.