View report page

96
with this specially designated and augmented staff it is difficult to maintain
that degree of routine re-inspection which is so desirable in order to
keep housing information up to date. The special requirements relating
to overcrowding and the discussion of reconditioning proposals and
specifications at the premises are developments which in themselves take
up an increasing amount of time, apart from the preliminary work of
detailed re-inspection and examination before representation relating to
dwelling houses or parts of such houses can be considered by the Housing
Committee.
Housing Policy of the City Council.
In April the City Council reviewed its housing policy in the light of the
information obtained from the two housing surveys and, as a result,
resolved that steps should be taken for the closure of all basements contravening
the Housing Acts and the Council's Regulations made thereunder.
The Council further agreed in principle (without committing itself
until detailed proposals had been submitted) to provide 250 new flats for
families to be displaced from basements, 242 new flats for rehousing overcrowded
families and to inquire into the possibility of acquiring some
houses for reconditioning. Additionally, it was decided that the London
County Council be asked to rehouse 350 families from unfit basements
whose needs do not require them to live in the City.
Overcrowding.
In the report for 1934 reference was made to the specific provisions of
the Housing Act, 1935, for the abatement and prevention of overcrowding.
The Minister of Health, in exercise of his powers under the Act, made an
order in relation to the City of Westminster, fixing 1st July, 1936, as the
appointed day for the purpose of Section 6 (which provides for entry in
rent books of certain provisions relating to overcrowding) and 1st January,
1937, as the appointed day for the purpose of other sections containing
provisions as to offences regarding overcrowding.
A pamphlet setting out the principal provisions of the Act concerning
the prevention and abatement of overcrowding was prepared for the
guidance of all persons concerned and distributed by post or otherwise
supplied to all inquirers. During the later months of the year
many applications were received for particulars of the numbers of persons
permitted to occupy dwelling-houses in accordance with the standards laid
down in the Act.