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THE HEALTH OF BARKING
Post-war houses—Mayesbrook Estate.
was discharged elsewhere. The allocation of accommodation is decided, as is
well known, on the basis of a points scheme which gives due regard to the public
health aspects of the housing problem and it is proper, therefore, that the operation
of such a scheme should be by public health officers. Throughout the year I have
been visited by families in desperate need and have been consulted as to the award
of special points for medical reasons. I know it is necessary to have regard to all
aspects of the housing problem and in particular to the claims of those families
who have been long in residence in the district; I cannot, however, as your
medical officer overlook the fact that the present requirements in respect of
residence qualification does in a number of cases operate harshly.
It will be noted that whilst the number of new units of accommodation
available have been small compared with the number required, headway was made
in the reduction of overcrowding by using each new unit of accommodation to
serve the needs of three families by operating an extensive system of transfers.
This exchange of accommodation between large, small and medium sized families
was not only effected amongst Council tenants but, with the co-operation of
private owners, amongst tenants of privately owned dwellings also.
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