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these 2 houses are now in course of demolition.
In addition to this, I entered into arrangements with owners
concerning property which was unfit for human habitation, and as
a result thereof, 20 houses were demolished without official action
being taken.
Since the passing of the Housing Act, 1930, 92 houses have been
demolished either by official action under Section 19 of the Housing
Act, 1930, or by arrangements with owners.
The task of ridding the District of unsuitable houses is continuing.
It is held back to some extent, however, by the shortage
of housing accommodation and the time that is required for dealing
with each individual house. Procedure under the Act is lengthy,
and in addition to this, much work must be done before such information
can be obtained as is required before representation can be made
by the Council. The work, however, is proceeding steadily.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
The Council now possesses 1,740 houses, a figure which has
remained stationary for the last two years.
Land has been acquired for the erection of further houses, the
erection of which will be proceeded with in due course.
At the end of the year the Housing Survey required by the
Housing Act, 1935, was commenced, and the results of this survey
will be available to help in deciding what type of house is required
for the purpose of housing those families found to be living in overcrowded
conditions.
During the course of the year the Health Department examined
110 houses which had been vacated, and of these, 29, or 26 per cent.,
were found to be verminous and had to be disinfested.
In 1934, 38 per cent. of the vacated houses were found to be
verminous, and it is to be hoped that the decrease in this percentage
will be continued.
Disinfestation has been carried out during the year by means
of sulphur, various spray preparations, and stripping down of all
woodwork in the rooms.
HOUSING CONDITIONS.
The standard of housing in Enfield varies within the District,
the Eastern portion containing houses for the working classes, and
the Western for more wealthy residents.
There are very few houses in Enfield which are not built of
brick.