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HOUSING
The number of commonwealth immigrants coming into the horough continues to demand
vigilance to be exercised by all sections of the department not least the environmental health
section, particularly in respect of overcrowding and houses in multiple occupation.
Slum Clearance
During the year, 15 clearance areas involving 606 dwellings were declared by the Borough
Council. Three compulsory purchase orders and five clearance orders were confirmed involving
215 dwellings.
Overcrowding
Alleged overcrowding was investigated in 80 instances, some overcrowded families being
rehoused by the Greater London Council and by this Council.
Underground Rooms
There are numerous underground rooms in the borough used for living and sleeping purposes.
When the Housing Officer is about to rehouse the occupier of an underground room,closing order
procedure under the Housing Act, 1957, part II is used, but apart from this there is very
little that can be done due to the risk of a double rehousing commitment eventually.
During the year Closing Orders were made in respect of two such rooms.
Town and Country Planning (Housing Accommodation) Direction, 1952.
Under this order the department is consulted by the Borough Architect and Planning Officer
before applications are determined for planning permission for development involving change of
userof premises from use as a dwelling. Investigation of one application was carried out
during the year.
Applicat ions for Rehousing
At the end of the year, there were 8,026 applications for rehousing on the Council's
waiting list, an increase of 11 on last year. Tenants of Council dwellings who have applied
for transfer to larger or smaller accommodation number 1,040.
Preferential Housing on Health Grounds
Applications for preferential housing on health grounds investigated during 1967 numbered
650, an increase of 55% on last year. An 'urgent' assessment was granted in 44 cases and
balancing points were awarded in a further 183. Tenant transfer was supported in the case of
117 tenants of Council dwellings.
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