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48
block on this estate to which reference was made in the Annual Report
for 1925 was completed in November, 1926.
The scheme of the London County Council for providing suitable
homes on their housing estates for those residents in Westminster who
are living in insanitary or overcrowded conditions proceeded during 1926.
Since the scheme came into operation in January, 1925, 71 families have
accepted vacancies on those estates.
The year which has closed has seen a still greater increase in building
activities throughout the City. The conversion of large houses into
flats and the erection of new blocks of residential flats seem to show that
there is still an unsatisfied demand from those who wish to live in central
London. The difficulty in maintaining household service in the large
houses of the older type has had an important influence in developing
this modern method of living on one floor. The fact that in many
instances complete service including meals can be obtained through the
management holds out an added inducement to those whose interests
are mainly outside their homes.
The conversion of what were formerly the dwellings of coachmen and
grooms in mews into small flats and houses is still proceeding chiefly in
Mayfair and in Knightsbridge. After necessary alterations and renovations
have been effected, premises of this description, although old in
structure, form convenient and attractive dwellings. The demand for
such houses is very great and large sums have been spent in their purchase
and redecoration. If such premises are let the rents which are demanded
are surprisingly high.
Housing Conditions.—Steady progress has been made with the
work of house-to-house inspection, which received a fresh impetus from
the coming into force of the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925.
This system of routine inspection taking streets seriatim has been most
actively pursued particularly in the Victoria Ward, which, in addition to
being largest in area, also contains by far the greatest proportion of workingclass
dwellings. The following streets in the City: Cheval Place, Churton
Place, Clarendon Street, Cumberland Street, Douglas Place, Livonia Street,
Westmoreland Place, Westmoreland Street, have been systematically
inspected, and certain features which emerge are the existence of
overcrowding, which is prevalent, but not to the extent which was
anticipated, the illegal and sometimes overcrowded condition of basement
rooms, the verminous state of many rooms, and the presence of
dilapidations, such as dirty and defective walls and ceilings. Dampness
was present in basement rooms to a considerable extent, and this is largely
due to the absence of damp-proof courses. Appropriate action was taken