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Overcrowding
The following details refer to the known cases of statutory overcrowding dealt
with during the year.
(a) Number of dwellings known to be overcrowded
at end of year 15
Number of families in occupation 17
Number of persons in occupation 80
(b) Number of new cases reported 14
(c) Number of cases relieved 9
Number of persons concerned 38
The existing standards were first introduced in 1935 when, compared with earlier
standards, they were considered to be high. However, after more than thirty years they can
no longer be regarded as satisfactory in the light of modern living conditions. When
assessing housing needs in respect of applications for housing accommodation, the Council
therefore maintains a more realistic approach by awarding "points" on an ascending scale
according to the degree of insufficiency of proper bedroom accommodation.
During the year the Department was actively concerned with an increasing number of
applications for Council housing, in some cases supported by medical certificates,
referred by the Housing Department for special consideration on medical grounds,
sanitary circumstances, and alleged overcrowding.
I wish to record that each application made for Council housing accommodation which
was supported by the Department on public health grounds received the fullest consideration
by the Borough Housing Officer.
Common Lodging Houses
There are no common lodging houses in the Borough.
Rent Acts
The Rent Acts which amongst their many provisions allow the holder of a controlled
tenancy to seek an abatement of his rent when his accommodation is not being maintained
in a satisfactory state of repair having regard to its age, character and locality,
continued to be little used, largely it is felt because to the average tenant the
essential procedure is lengthy and involved.
The following details indicate the number of applications for Certificates of
53