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number of such houses, as many as 611 of them at the beginning of the year
1919 being on our register of houses let in lodgings. These houses have not
been altered or adapted for suitable occupation by separate families, but will
be very much improved under the new L.C.C. by-laws under the Housing,
Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, which have been drafted and are now under
further consideration.
These changes have also led to a general increase in the value of land in
Holborn, and it becomes increasingly difficult to find suitable sites for the
erection of working class houses without a heavy charge on the rates.
Excluding tenement houses the number of houses constructed for the
working classes in the Borough include 2616 tenements, of which 999 are
L.C.C. dwellings, 1495 other dwellings and 122 older and less satisfactory
ones. There is also a large but diminishing number of common lodging houses
in the Borough, containing accommodation for 1,220 persons—1,058 men
and 162 women.
In accordance with the Housing Act of 1919, much time and attention was
given to the preparation of a Survey of Housing needs, with Ordnance Map,
showing the unhealthy areas and any considerable areas, which, although in
fair sanitary condition, nevertheless, for one reason or another, fall definitely
below the ultimate standard at which it is reasonable to aim.
As usual a detailed inspection of all the less sanitary houses was made
last year, and many houses which were more or less unfit for human habitation
were dealt with under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891. A
Closing Order was made for No. 36, New North Street, and the two adjoining
houses were voluntarily closed by the owners and a Demolition Order has
been withheld as the alterations required are now being carried out. In
several other cases of houses which were reported on in detail for representation,
the work required was voluntarily carried out by the owners, or the
houses closed.
Further details under the respective headings are given in the following
Report.
I desire to express my high appreciation of the willing assistance and
hearty co-operation that I have received from the Mayor, the Ex-Mayor,
the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Members of my Committees and the
Council generally, the principal officers of the Council and the staff of the
Public Health Department during the year.
I have the honour to be,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. A. BOND,
M.A., M.D., B.C., D.P.H. Camb., M R.C.P. Lond.,
Medical Officer of Health.