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noted that the overcrowding is based on Table I. of the
Act of 1935 which allows for a reduction factor of one-fifth,
a factor which in Bromley is proving too great a reduction
with the result that the overcrowding figure of 459 families
will be greatly reduced on actual measurement of the
houses. In the current year these "overcrowded" houses
are being individually investigated. Overcrowding exists
chiefly in the sub-tenant families and brings forward again
the necessity of bye-laws dealing with houses let-inlodgings.
It is these families who live not only in
overcrowded conditions, but without the amenities that
make for a happy home. There are no less than 1,371
families in Bromley living as sub-tenants.
Inspection of District.
Nine hundred and sixty-six dwelling-houses were
inspected during 1935 and these involved 5,517 visits for
inspections. Of these 960 houses 721 were found not to
be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation, and
at the end of the year 712 had been rendered fit after
service of informal notices. Six houses were made fit after
formal notices under the Public Health Acts, and statutory
notices under the Housing Act, 1930, were served in 33
instances.
This housing inspection of the district is a duty
placed upon the Local Authority by statute and forms one
of the main duties of the Sanitary Inspectors.
By reference to appendices VII., VIII. and XV., the
extent of this work will be seen, and I would here like
to record the very efficient manner in which these duties
are carried out by Mr. G. R. Woods, Chief Sanitary
Inspector, and the District Sanitary Inspectors.
Unfit Houses.
Since the inception of the Housing Act, 1930, 62
houses have been scheduled as unfit for habitation (four
of which number have been rendered fit in Gravel Pits)
and condemned as not repairable at reasonable cost. Ten
of these houses had been demolished at the end of 1935,
and a further 23 had been closed to human habitation.
This good progress has only been possible by goodwill of