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flats built some ninety years ago the problem becomes more acute. The best way of dealing
with them would be by clearance but the need for rehousing would be on such a scale that
this would be an impossibility. It is apparent, however, that if a measure of rehousing
could be carried out combined with conversion works where possible, the basic amenities
for each occupying family could be provided.
Many informal discussions between owners and the Public Health Inspectors took place
during the year and with co-operation, the provision of additional amenities was secured.,
It is also interesting to note that many cases of penal overcrowding were abated by
informal means. It is important that overcrowding is dealt with before any action be
taken by the Council to provide additional services and amenities in any dwelling
As many of the tenants of houses in multiple occupation are at work during the day
the Inspectors are required to complete their surveys during evenings and it is evident
that inspections outside the normal hours of duty will have to continue in order to
implement the provisions of the Housing Act, 1961.
During the year one Management Order was made in respect of a block of flats and
following works carried out by the owners, it was possible to recommend a revocation of
this order.
Miscellaneous
During the past six years some hundreds of houses have been dealt with under Part II
Housing Act, 1957. The time has now been reached when it may be possible to deal with
those houses which are unfit according to Section 4 standard but which are capable of
repair at reasonable expense. There is of course the problem of dealing with unfit basements
and parts of houses but here again owners are availing themselves of the latest
building research developments to render such rooms fit for human habitation.
Regulations for securing the proper ventilation and lighting of underground rooms
and the protection thereof against dampness, effluvium or exhalation were made during the
year. These, with certain modifications are similar to previous regulations which were
rescinded.
Consultations took place with the London County Council in connection with the siting
of mobile homes on certain unused sites where permanent development was unlikely to take
place for a period of at least two years This temporary housing accommodation will be
used to augment the County Council's general housing pool.
The number of houses and flats erected in the Borough during the year was
Borough Council 162
London County Council 100
Private Enterprise (Inc. 24 - City of London
Corporation) 144
The number of municipal flats and houses erected since the war is
Borough Council 3,965
London County Council 2,960 +29 rebuilds from war
damage
The total number of dwellings (i.e. flats and houses separately assessed) in the
Borough at the end of the year was 47 288,