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38
it must be concluded that few can be occupied by the working
classes unless they are helped to pay the rent by sub-letting. In
practice this is what happens. The housing problem is therefore
complicated by the two questions, first, that of providing a sufficient
number of houses, and secondly, the inability of the ordinary
working man to pay the rent demanded for a house which is in all
respects sufficient for him and his family.
While the builder cannot build houses to let at a reasonable
rent to the working man every new house serves to relieve the
pressure in the lower grade houses. During the year 1925, 241
houses were built by private enterprise and many more are contemplated.
The remaining land, however, which is suitable for building
sites is quickly being used up and the natural result will be that
building sites will be sought in Greenford, which it is expected will
be included within the Borough next October.
During the year the erection by the Council of 250 houses was
begun on the 24 acres of land purchased for the purpose in Pope's
Lane. None has yet been completed.
There are very few houses that are in such a condition as to
demand steps for closure under the Housing Acts. Action has been
deferred on account of the difficulty of providing accommodation
for those families displaced. When, however, the pressure is
relieved by the completion of some of the houses being erected by
the Council, representations will be made.
Overcrowding.—It is very difficult to gauge the extent of the
overcrowding and to express it in exact figures but every day
attention is being drawn to cases of gross overcrowding which are
difficult to remedy. The worst cases are reported to the Housing
Committee with a view to their special consideration when vacancies
in the Council's houses are being allocated, but in many cases the
only remedy that can be recommended is the re-arrangement of the
rooms by which a more reasonable allotment of sleeping accommodation
can be given to the different families inhabiting the house.
Fitness of Houses.—The general standard of housing in the
district is good. There are no slums, as such are generally understood,
although there are three small areas with houses of a low