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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 houses in multiple occupation have continued to receive the
attention of the Health Department.
The Housing Act, 1964, has augmented the provisions of the Housing Act,
1961, in respect of houses in multiple occupation. The Act enables local authorities
to prosecute in cases where notices served under Section 14, 15 or 16 of the
1961 Act have not been complied with. Under the 1961 Act it was necessary
for the local authority to carry out work in default where notices had not been
complied with. The new Act gives local authorities the option of carrying out
work in default or of prosecuting.
Another important amendment of the 1961 Act enables local authorities to
combine the improvement of amenities in houses in multiple occupation with the
making of a Direction Order limiting the number of persons who may occupy
such a house. These powers were used in one case during the year when it was
apparent that the new provisions are more satisfactory than the provisions which
they replaced.
During the year cases have continued to be dealt with by District Public
Health Inspectors as they are found during the course of their duties. House-tohouse
inspections have also been carried out in three separate districts in the
Borough. The following is a summary of the work undertaken: —