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(c) Number of cases relieved 7
Number of persons concerned 32
These are the only cases of statutory overcrowding which are known to the
Department. Other cases do undoubtedly exist but the entire extent of the problem
within the Borough is not considered to represent a serious hazard. Overcrowding
seldom comes to light during the course of normal routine inspections or as a
result of direct complaint. In the main, cases are brought to notice by tenants
alleging over-occupation who are seeking to improve their position on the
Council's housing waiting list.
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 often supported by medical certificates
and referred by the Housing Department for special consideration on the grounds of
overriding medical priority.
I wish to record that each application made for Council housing accommodation
which was supported by the Department received the fullest consideration by the
Borough Housing Officer.
Common Lodging Houses
There are no common lodging houses in the Borough.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Housing Acts 1961 to 1969 provide powers for dealing with unsatisfactory
living accommodation in houses which are occupied by persons who do not form a
single household.
In October 1965, the Council adopted comprehensive standards in respect of
facilities and amenities to be applied in houses in multiple occupation. In the
light of the experience gained since that time the opportunity is now being taken
to reconsider these standards in order that any appropriate amendments may be
made. Consideration has also been given to the desirability of introducing a scheme
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