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HOUSING
The Housing Act, 1957 came into operation on the 1st September, 1957. It repeals and reenacts
in consolidated form the provisions of the earlier Housing Acts with the exception of
financial provisions, which will be consolidated in a future bill.
Sec.191 of the Act constitutes a comprehensive saving provision which secures continuity
of action by enacting, inter alia, that anything done under a repealed enactment shall have
effect as if done under the corresponding provisions of the new Act and that documents referring
to a repealed enactment shall be construed as referring to the corresponding provision of the
new Act.
Housing Consolidation Regulations, 1925, No.866, Part IV. Inspection of District:—
1. Number of houses which on inspection were considered to be unfit for human habitation:—
Nine
2. Number of houses in which the defects were remedied in consequence of informal action
by the Local Authority or their Officers:—
Eight
3. Number of representations made to the Local Authority with a view to (a) the serving of
notices requiring the execution of works or (b) the making of demolition or closing
orders:—
(a) One
(b) None
4. Number of notices served during the execution of works:—
None
None
5. Number of houses which were rendered fit after service of formal notices:—
One
6. Number of demolition or closing orders made:—
None
7. Number of houses in respect of which an undertaking was accepted under subsection (4)
of section 16 of the Housing Act, 1957:—
None
8. Number of houses demolished:—
None
During the year 58 families were rehoused, leaving 419 families for whom accommodation
was required at the end of December 1958. No new housing accommodation was provided during
the year.
The modernisation of Dron House, Stepney, has been completed and work commenced on the
modernisation of Kings Flats, Artizans Dwellings, in the City. This will be followed by the
modernisation of further flats at Artizans Dwellings and at other pre-war estates.
Isleden House continues to stimulate interest amongst those who are concerned with the
housing and welfare of the elderly. Many of the elderly residents would be unable to maintain a
flat if they had to prepare their own meals and if they were required to do all the work of a
normal householder, and it is evident that the provision of a mid-day meal and of the other
services assists the old people to remain in their homes and retain their independence. The
Sick Bay under the supervision of an understanding Matron and her sympathetic Assistant has
continued to work smoothly. Nearly 500 patients from St.Bartholomew's Hospital have been
admitted since 1954 and this has made a very useful contribution in reducing the waiting list for
beds at the hospital. Patients from the Corporation's housing estates have also been admitted
for short periods and results have been most satisfactory.
The redevelopment of the Corporation's housing estates in Holloway and adjoining the
Metropolitan Cattle Market in Islington has had to be suspended, but with the use of the vacant
site of the sheep lairs to the west of the market for the purpose of erecting an initial block of
flats, it is hoped that the scheme may proceed.
The Almshouses in Ferndale Road, Brixton are being individually brought up to date as they
fall vacant.
The City of London Old People's Welfare Association continues to look after the 1,350
over-60's for whom the City as a Housing Authority has a responsibility. No effort is spared to
ensure that these old people have the services they require. A Mid-day Meals Service has been
established at the Three Score Club adjoining the Corporation's flats in Gravel Lane, Stepney.
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