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26
To make these figures realistic it should be pointed out that those rehoused
are extremely unlikely to be from recommendations of the same year.
The rehousing of families displaced by slum clearance continues to receive
priority over all other categories. This means that the hard core of those living
in overcrowded dwellings or with medical conditions requiring better housing, is
not decreasing, as it should. A solution to this problem is not easy to envisage,
particularly in Hammersmith, where building sites are at a premium.
One of Hammersmith's problems is the occupation of the older, larger type
residence by several families in place of the single family for which it was designed.
This frequently gives rise to unsatisfactory housing conditions as the change often
takes place without the provision of adequate amenities in the way of water supply,
baths, w.c. accommodation. Squalid conditions arise as a result of the subsequent
loss of privacy and the sharing of sanitary arrangements. Overcrowding results
either from the growth of the family in limited space or from families being forced
to accept inadequate housing because of the shortage of housing accommodation
in London and the high rental charges.
During the year the provisions of Part II of the Housing Act, 1961, have
continued to receive the attention of the Health Department.
This legislation was designed to deal with unsatisfactory conditions in houses
let in lodgings or occupied by members of more than one family. It gives the
Council powers to act in the following ways:—
(i) Section 12—To make a Management Order in the case of any house in multiple
occupation where it appears to the Council that the premises are
in an unsatisfactory state as a result of a failure to maintain proper
standards of management. The effect of the Management Order is
to apply to the premises Regulations made by the Minister of Housing
and Local Government which requires those parts of the
premises used in common to be kept in good order and repair.
(ii) Section 15—To require the provision of additional amenities under the following
headings where their absence renders the house not reasonably
suitable for the multiple occupation:—
Natural and Artificial Lighting.
Ventilation.
Water Supply.
Personal Washing Facilities.
Drainage and Sanitary Conveniences.
Facilities for the storage and preparation and cooking of food and
for the disposal of waste water.
Installations for space heating or for the use of space heating
appliances.
The Council have adopted general standards to be applied for the provision of
such amenities.
(iii) Section 16—To require with the approval of the London County Council the
provision of satisfactory means of escape from fire. The Council
has adopted the Code of Practice for means of escape in case of
fire at houses in multiple occupation, formulated by the London
County Council.