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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.
Fitness of Houses :—
(a) No difficulties have been experienced under the Public
Health Act or under the Housing Acts.
(b) Certain houses have been scheduled for annual inspection
under the Housing Consolidated Regulations.
(c) The water supply is through the Metropolitan Water
Board. Very few houses have not an adequate internal
water supply. (Notices are served where necessary under
the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1907,
in the case of tenement houses.)
Unhealthy Areas.
A list of properties, recommended to be dealt with either
as Clearance or Improvement Areas or by Closing Orders,
has been submitted to the Borough Council.
Bye-laws.
No special difficulties have been experienced in the
enforcement of the bye-laws relating to houses and houses
let in lodgings.