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51
In a number of cases the sleeping accommodation was inadequate to allow of separation
of the sexes for the adult members of the family.
It will be noted that of the 1,366 houses inspected, 80 families, comprising 479 persons,
were living at a density of from 4 to 7 persons per room.
It is estimated that the total number of working class houses in the Borough is about
16,000. If the same percentage of overcrowding exists in these houses, it means that about 930
families, comprising over 5,500 persons, are living under similar conditions of serious
overcrowding.
During the last few years a number of families living in the Borough have been
provided with housing accommodation on the various Estates of the London County Council
situated on the outskirts of London. This accommodation, usually, is granted only to families
where the man is in regular work and is able to pay the requisite rent for the amount of
accommodation considered to be necessary. During the past year 210 families, consisting of
1057 persons, and who were living in 410 rooms, were provided with accommodation. It will
be noted that these were living at an average density of less than 3 persons per room.
A policy which deals only with the best type of workmen, and removes them out of
London, leaves a very difficult problem to be solved by local authorities if they are to provide
accommodation for the casual labourer, men frequently out of work, persons with large families
and low wages, the unemployed and the unemployable. It is amongst these that overcrowding
is most prevalent, and they are not in a position to pay an adequate rent for the amount of
accommodation which they require.
The undermentioned are examples of the cases in question : they are numerous and
present an almost insoluble problem : —
R.S.— Casual labourer (frequently out of work), has a wife and five children. One small
room, about 800 cub. feet. Rent 5s. 4d. per week. Owes a considerable amount for
rent, has relief from Guardians.
J.S.—Addresses envelopes, earns 30s. per week. Wife and 9 Children. Two Rooms.
Rent 12s. l1d. Owes nearly a year's rent. Has relief from Guardians.
C.S.—Man (out of work), Wife and six Children (including daughters of 20 and 18 years
of age), living in one room.
HOUSING SCHEMES.
1.— Wolcot Street Area.—Details concerning the progress of this scheme are given under
"Work of the Estates Committee" (page 53).
2.—Ossulston Street Area.—The Foundations of the First (Central) Block of dwellings
to be erected on this site by the London County Council were commenced in November and a
Foundation Stone was laid by the Minister of Health (the Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain, M.P.)
on February 1st, 1928. The work appears to be proceeding rather slowly and accommodation
on this site, therefore, will not be available for some time.
3.—St. Pancras Home Improvement Society.—This is a Public Utility Society registered
under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893-1913.
The objects of the Society include the conversion of houses, too large for single families,
into several working class dwellings, each suitable in size and adequately equipped, and the
rebuilding of derelict houses in the form of flats suitable for working class families.