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27
Slum Clearance.
This problem is not locally of the magnitude so apparent in
many other areas. The worst houses remaining have been closed
or demolished during the period reviewed, the outstanding substandard
dwellings will receive radical attention as soon as we are
permitted effectively to do so.
Overcrowding.
This remains our main concern although the re-housing progress
being made, notably by Hornchurch, naturally tends to improve
the position. From a general viewpoint it is obvious that a steady
improvement is being made although individual cases of extreme
degree are ascertained, brought forward from time to time and
dealt with sympathetically.
Rural Housing (with which may be included Housing of Agricultural
Workers).
The staff shortage precluded the commencement of a survey
which will reveal the local circumstances in detail. It is now hoped
to commence it during the coming year and steps are being taken in
the interim to provide a certain number of dwellings for farm
workers.
I feel sure that an unsuspected number of rural cottages are
not in fact occupied predominantly by farm workers. The war years
and subsequent extreme housing shortage have tended to encourage
a movement of population from the towns which may very well
have altered the pre-war position. The town and the country
dweller must be regarded as equally deserving of satisfactory
amenities and the accommodation for the country dweller of the
future will undoubtedly so aim.
Unfortunately it seems certain that many of our present rural
dwellings can never be brought up to modern standards—apart from
structural defects, the absence of main services such as water,
sewers and ready facilities for refuse disposal are apparent obstacles
—but much can be done to raise their present standard to a much
higher level.
Re-housing: Medical Aspects.
During the year some 530 certificates containing medical
evidence in support of council house applicants were submitted to
me for opinion as to the degree of priority applicable.
Cases of infectious tuberculosis for example, are accorded very
high priority and are assessed—always with the patient's consentafter
consultation with the Tuberculosis Officer for the area, to
whom I must accord my sincere thanks.