London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Enfield 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]
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28
During the course of 1937 I represented 39 houses as unfit for
human habitation. Demolition Orders were made in respect of all
these houses.
In addition 3 houses were demolished as a result of informal
action by the Health Department.
Since the passing of the Housing Act, 1930, 119 houses have
been demolished either by official action under the appropriate sections
of the Housing Acts, or by arrangements with owners.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
The Council now possesses 1,746 houses, a figure which has
increased by 6 in the last three years.
Land has been acquired for the erection of further houses, but
so far has not been utilised for this purpose.
HOUSING SURVEY HOUSING ACT, 1935.
In accordance with the Housing Act, 1935, a survey of the District
was made to ascertain the extent of overcrowding in the District.
As a result thereof it was found that the overcrowding in Enfield was as follows:—
| Houses | Overcrowded to the extent of | Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 2½ | 3 | 3½ | 4 | 4½ | 5 | 5½ | ||
| Units | ||||||||||||
| Council | 36 | 36 | 23 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | 110 | |
| Non-Council | 83 | 57 | 38 | 28 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | — | 1 | 231 |
| Totals | 119 | 93 | 61 | 37 | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | - | 1 | 341 |
During the course of 1936 attempts were made to abate overcrowding
by means of the granting of Council houses and transfers'
At the end of 1936 the conditions had improved so that there
were overcrowded in Enfield:—
120 Council Houses
179 Non-Council Houses
At the end of 1937, the extent of overcrowding was as follows:—
Council Houses—50
Non-Council Houses—89.
It will be seen, therefore, that the number of over-crowded