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(a) Number of dwellings known to be overcrowded
at end of year 5
Number of families in occupation 5
Number of persons in occupation 43
(b) Number of new cases reported 6
(c) Number of cases relieved 6
Number of persons concerned 38
These are the only cases of statutory overcrowding which are known to the
Department. Other cases do undoubtedly exist but the extent of the problem within the
Borough is not considered to be serious. Overcrowding seldom comes to light as a
result of direct complaint and in the course of normal routine inspections is encountered
most frequently in multi-occupied properties. Frequently 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, but
as yet it is not opportune for a statutory upgrading of the standards. When assessing
housing needs in respect of applications for housing accommodation, the Council 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
Powers are available to local authority under the Housing Acts, 1961/1969 to
deal with unsatisfactory conditions in houses which are multi-occupied.
During the year, the opportunity was taken in the light of experience gained, to
amend and extend the standards relating to amenities and facilities within such premises,
and this new set of standards was considered and approved by the Council.
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