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The rate of progress of slum clearance is dependent on the provision of
rehousing accommodation and it is gratifying to be able to report accelerated
progress, which, I am hopeful will be not only maintained, but increased in
the near future.
Underground Rooms.—At the beginning of the year there were 6,134
underground rooms which did not comply with the Housing Act and the
regulations made thereunder. During the year closing orders were made in
respect of 12 underground rooms. A closing order was determined in respect
of 1 underground room which had been altered and made to comply with
the regulations. 22 other underground rooms were altered and made to
comply and 150 unfit underground rooms were dealt with in Clearance Areas
thus leaving 5,949 still to be dealt with.
Overcrowding.—The overcrowding survey in 1935 revealed the fact that
7,632 families were overcrowded. Also that 424 other families would be overcrowded
within two years by reason of children attaining the age of 1 or 10
years respectively.
From May, 1936, to the end of December, 1937, 1,230 certificates of overcrowding(Orange
Forms) had been sent to the L.C.C. Of this number the
L.C.C. have rehoused 280 families, 47 within the Borough and 233 outside.
In the process of slum clearance, 444 cases of overcrowding have been
abated.
81 overcrowded families are known to have found accommodation for
themselves.
89 cases of overcrowding have been abated by Owners transferring
tenants.
Summary.
Number of families overcrowded as per survey 7,632
Additional to date as per survey 424
8,056
Number Abated.
By L.C.C. as result of Orange Forms 280
By Slum Clearance 444
Abated privately 170
894
During the year two large blocks of Borough Council flats were opened:—
John Scurr House, Branch Road, consisting of 119 flats, on July 24th and
Arbour House, Arbour Square, consisting of 76 flats, on October 23rd.
In the process of redevelopment within the Borough, rehousing must
necessarily be in blocks of flats and it is imperative that provision for the
physical and social recreation, particularly for the children and youth, should
be kept well to the fore.
The L.C.C. are the rehousing authority in the case of overcrowding, and
here again the rate of progress in abating overcrowding is dependent on the
provision of "alternative accommodation."