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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 6,013. Particulars of the defects, etc., discovered and remedied will
be found on pages 43 and 44.
Overcrowding.—During 1931 thirteen tenements in registered houses were reported to be
overcrowded. In ten instances the overcrowding was abated. The occupants of the remaining
three tenements were unable to find other accommodation before the close of the year.
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 644 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 9 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.
Acquisition of a site for building purposes.—On July 22nd, 1930, the Council made an
Order for the compulsory acquisition of a site formerly comprising Nos. 61, 63 and 65,
Brindley Street, pursuant to Part III. of the Housing Act, 1925 and the Housing Consolidated
Regulations, 1925, and application was made to the Minister of Health for confirmation
of the Order. The site consists of an area of approximately 2,088 feet super and is suitable
for the erection of working-class tenement dwellings. It is intended that the tenements
to be provided shall be self-contained flats and shall be used for re-housing families displaced
by other housing schemes to be undertaken in the Borough.
The details of the scheme continued to receive attention during 1931, but owing to the
necessary sanctions not being obtained it was not possible to proceed with the erection of the
dwellings before the year closed.
Purchasing and re-conditioning of houses.—In August, 1930, the consent of the Minister
of Health was obtained to the Council's subscribing an amount not exceeding £5,000 in
respect of debentures, bearing interest at 2|% per annum, secured by a Trust Deed and
issued by a public utility society known as The Paddington Houses Association, Ltd. The
money subscribed will be utilised in purchasing, reconditioning and improving working-class
houses in the Borough, which will be let in tenements.
Up to the end of 1931, £2,500 had been subscribed.
Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920-1925.
Five 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 with the London County Council made in 1924 continues in force
whereby the County Council under Part III of the Housing Act, 1890, allocates preferentially
to suitable applicants recommended by Borough Councils, 50 per cent of new accommodation.
The quota for Paddington is 15 houses per 1,000 built. The cases are selected
on the grounds of overcrowding, unhealthy conditions, urgency and special hardship.
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 only, and how
they were dealt with.