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28
IV. HOUSJNG.
Overcrowding.
During the year 559 cases of alleged overcrowding were
investigated, 217 of which were confirmed and referred to
the London County Council.
158 overcrowded families were rehoused, 112 by the London
County Council and 46 by the Borough Council, and the number
of known overcrowded families on the register increased from
1,048 to 1,107.
11 visits were made to premises to ascertain "permitted
numbers," and the owners of the premises were informed.
In order to-prevent overcrowding, two inspections were
made, for the Government of Cyprus, of accommodation alleged
to be available in the Borough for intending immigrants.
Underground Rooms.
There are approximately 4,000 underground rooms in the
Borough used for living or sleeping purposes, about 3,760
of which are unfit. During the year, 226 inspections were
carried out, as a result of which 39 Closing Orders were
made, 67 rooms being closed and the modified occupation of
10 rooms approved. The total number of underground rooms
closed since 1936 amounts, to date, to 160. Progress on
closure generally is held up for lack of suitable alternative
accommodation.
Slum Clearance.
Slum clearance was resumed during the year by the Borough
Council and the London County Council undertook clearance on
a fairly large scale. Representations were made by the
Medical Officer of Health of three small areas. The photographs
facing page 29 show some typical property in areas
being represented, together with some Council dwellings
. completed during the year.
Building Licences and Essentiality Certificates.
Of the 502 applications received, 492 were recommended,
involving 943 visits by the inspectors.
The value of the Building Licences issued during the year
amounted to £184,350. Approximately 20 per cent of the
licences were issued in connection with the service of
sanitary notices.