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44
SECTION D.
HOUSING.
The houses in the Borough continue in the main to deteriorate due to their age
and the cessation of major repairs as a result of war time conditions.
Although it has not so far been practicable under post-war conditions to
resume slum clearance, consideration has been given during the year to the possibility
of resumption in the near future, in conjunction with the London County Council.
Some preliminary survey work has been undertaken and it can be said at this stage
that the requirements in Islington in regard to slum clearance are both major and
pressing. Another aspect of the housing problem which probably affects Islington
more than most other London Boroughs, in view of the close concentration of
multi-storey Victorian housing, is the high proportion and large total number of
underground rooms. It has not been possible to carry out systematic inspection
of underground rooms but there is no doubt that a very considerable number do not
comply with the Underground Room Regulations, and in view of the nature of the
houses it would probably be uneconomic to attempt on a large scale to make these
rooms comply.
Some houses are also falling into disrepair by reason of the owners finding the
property uneconomic and in some instances abandoning ownership.