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people are living in requisitioned property, however, the problem does become somewhat
difficult, but this has been greatly overcome by the Estate Manager having a contact
in the house who notifies him, if necessity arises, regarding any matter affecting old
people. This has always worked satisfactorily but it was felt that so far as was
reasonably possible, and as suitable accommodation became available, accommodation
should be let to old people in houses where there were other aged persons resident
as they do help each other. The houses so far being used have varied in number
but now total 18 in which 7 couples, 34 women, and 8 men reside.
Many of these houses have a younger person or couple living there who keep
an eye on the old people and help them if necessary. Such services have been freely
given.
My records also show people with any form of incapacity, the facts of which
are fully known to the Estate Manager for the area.
It is the intention to use the Euston Road Hostel as accommodation for elderly
persons but owing to extremely few vacancies it has only been possible to find
accommodation for five elderly ladies and one elderly couple. Future vacancies will
be utilised for meeting the needs of old people, especially on the lower floors, the
upper floors being used for elderly but agile persons. Two vacancies are pending
and have already been earmarked for this purpose. This accommodation is admirably
suited for rehousing old people being near to the shops, post office, buses, etc., and
has the added advantage of a resident supervisor on the premises.
During the past twelve months the following old people have been rehoused
from the waiting list in accordance with the ' Points Scheme ' approved by the
Council:—
Over 70 25 single old people.
4 couples.
Aged 60 to 70 30 single old people.
17 couples."
It would be difficult for me in this report to point to any organization or individual to
whose services particular praise is due, but I think we should all agree that the help of the
Mayor and Mayoress of St. Pancras throughout the year has been an inspiration, the value
of which it would be hard to exaggerate.
The work of S.P.A.C.A. is continuing in 1952 and the Council has already determined
to make a grant towards its expenses. Voluntary funds may also be available.
Good as the above scheme may be, it is not complete. It is only limited by funds.
It is a young association. If it has achieved much it has also learnt how much more is required
by one particular section of the community.
Housing.
I am much indebted to Mr. Davey for many of the figures which I place before you in
connection with the situation of housing in the borough. It is against the background of
housing need that our work must be carried out. Mr. Davey tells me that on the 31st March
there were 10,712 families on our list awaiting rehousing. 298 new flats were occupied during
the year, and altogether by means of vacancies and transfers the total rehousing movement
affected 736 families. Of the total of 34 bed-sitting room flats occupied during the past twelve
months 27 have been let to people over 60 years of age.