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31
The whole situation is very depressing and letters are
received almost daily begging for assistance in obtaining
accommodation. Many of the people are living in basement
rooms, five persons to a room, whilst in one case where a
notice has been served for overcrowding, a family of 10 are
living in one room.
Many notices have been served for overcrowding and indecent
occupation under the Bye-laws of the London County
Council owing to the housing shortage. In the great majority
of cases it is not the fault of the occupier, as it is usually
found that they have not been able to find other accommodation.
The situation is all the more depressing as there appears
to be no immediate prospect of improving or alleviating the
dreadful conditions of overcrowding. The health of the
people living under these circumstances must necessarily
suffer.
The whole question is one that demands considerable
thought in an endeavour to provide housing accommodation
in districts near to the work and at a rental within the means
of the people most in need of such accommodation.
Housing and Town Planning.—During the year the
housing conditions have not materially improved. The
Housing Schemes of the County Council and Borough Council
are in progress. Negotiations are proceeding to acquire the
sites for the Southern Housing Scheme and it is hoped to
commence rebuilding during 1928.
Five hundred and twenty-three Certificates were granted
during the year under Section 48 (2) of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891, with regard to newly erected houses and
flats having a proper and sufficient water supply.
Since the War, 2,163 houses and flats ihave been erected in
the Borough, by the London County Council, the Hammersmith
Borough Council and by private enterprise, for which
Certificates have been granted (details as under).

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