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Plans were submitted to the Council under the drainage bye-laws, relative to the conversion
of 12 premises into 44 tenements. It is probable that a number of other conversions were
carried out in which no interference with existing drainage was involved. Such conversions
would not come within the purview of the department.
Compulsory Repairs.—No notices were served under Section 3 of the Housing Act, 1925,
but 491 communications were sent to owners drawing attention to defects liable to be dealt
with under the section. These communications in most instances resulted in the defects
being remedied.
Unhealthy Areas.—No representations were made to the Council during 1928.
In the course of the year business and residential premises were erected on the site of
Nos. 12 and 13 Market Street and Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, James Place, Market Street, to which
reference was made in the report for 1927. The reconstruction also included Nos. 19 and
21, Praed Street.
Houses Unfit for Habitation.—No representations were received or Closing Orders made
during the year.
Underground Rooms.—No rooms were dealt with under the Council's Regulations pursuant
to Section 18 of the Housing Act, 1925. Action, however, was taken under Section 96 of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1891, with respect to two basement rooms, which were allowed
to be reoccupied after certain work had been carried out by the owner.
Tenement Houses.—There were no additions to the Register, the total remaining the same
as at the close of the previous year, viz., 1,406. The inspections made by the two Special
Inspectors numbered 7,204. Particulars of the defects, etc., discovered and remedied will
be found on pages 39 and 40.
Overcrowding.—No formal reports were received with regard to overcrowding in registered
houses. Owing to existing social conditions only extreme cases of overcrowding are dealt
with by official action.
Annual Cleansing.—The usual practice with regard to the selection of special streets for
inspection was followed, a total of 1,004 houses being inspected during the year. Notices were
served for the cleansing and other work which was found to be necessary.
Common Lodging Houses.—The customary inspection was made by the Sanitary Inspector
of the district of the 5 common lodging houses in Kilburn Lane, prior to the annual licensing
by the London County Council.
During the year 8 deaths from various causes occurred among the occupants of these
houses.
Housing Act : Rent Books.—At one house the rent books were found not to contain
the required particulars. A cautionary letter was addressed to the owner.
RENT AND MORTGAGE INTEREST (RESTRICTIONS) ACTS, 1920-1925.
Three applications for certificates were made, all of which were granted. In one instance
a certificate was subsequently issued to the owner of the premises, under Section 5 (2) of the
1923 Act, on the completion of the necessary repairs.
HOUSING ON THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL ESTATES.
The arrangement made with the London County Council in 1924 continues in force,
whereby the Borough Council recommends to the London County Council cases of urgency
and special hardship for accommodation on the several Estates up to a limit of 15 houses per
1,000 built.
The following Table (No. 1) shows the number of applications submitted to the London
County Council for accommodation on the different Estates, during the year, and how they
were dealt with.