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As already noted, the overcrowding problem in Southgate
cannot be considered abnormal, although its very existence
must always be deplored. Only 34 oases existed at the end of
1936, and of these, 19 occurred in the Church Army Housing
Estate at Barrow Close. The Church Army Housing authorities are
being communicated with and have promised to take every possible
step to abate the existing conditions. Fortunately, none of the
cases can be regarded as serious meantime, but, with the presumptive
increase in the families concerned, the nuisance will tend to
magnify itself within the next few years. I hope to be able to
submit a further report to the Council some time during the present
year, setting out the steps which are being taken to cope with the
problem in that particular Estate. The provisions of the additional
Council houses referred to should go a long way towards solving
the problem, while the same scheme should provide means of abating
the remaining, isolated cases of overcrowding scattered throughout
the Borough.
Rent Restrictions Acts.— Under the provisions of these Acts,
two applications were received from occupiers for certificates to
the effect that their houses were not in a reasonable state of repair.
Special inspections were made, following which certificates were
granted.
Rats and Mice Destruction Act.— Numerous complaints
continue to be received regarding nuisance from rats and mice,
particularly the former. Each case is investigated and advice supplied.
At the same time, the complaint is transmitted to the proper
authority, the Middlesex County Council.
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