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IV. HOUSING
Clearance Areas.
The Housing Act, 1957, came into operation on 1st September, 1957.
The Act repeals and re-enacts in consolidated form the provisions of the
earlier Housing Acts, with the exception of financial provisions which
are to be consolidated in a separate Act.
During the year six areas, involving 156 houses, were declared by
the London County Council as clearance areas and 110 properties were
demolished by that authority under the Housing Act, 1936.
Overcrowding.
During the year 58 cases of alleged overcrowding were investigated,
16 of which were confirmed and referred to the London County Council.
Nineteen overcrowded families were rehoused by the London County
Council, and the number of known overcrowded families on the register
decreased from 621 to 443, a review of the register accounting for the
removal of 168 cases.
Underground Rooms.
There are approximately 2,500 underground rooms in the Borough used
for living or sleeping purposes, about 2,380 of which are unfit. During
the year 14 rooms were closed. The number of underground rooms closed
since 1936 to date is 422. Progress on closure generally is held up for
lack of suitable alternative accommodation.
Town & Country Planning (Housing Accommodation) Direction. 1952.
Under this Order, the Borough Council is consulted by the London
County Council (the Planning Authority) before applications are determined
for planning permission for development involving change of user of
premises from use as a dwelling. Investigation of 25 such applications
was carried out during the year.
Applications for Rehousing.
At the end of the year, there were 4,346 applications for rehousing
on the Housing Manager's Register, In addition licensees of 251
requisitioned premises are on the register for transfer of accommodation,
as also are the tenants of 417 Council dwellings.
Preferential Housing on Health Grounds.
Of the 32 cases investigated, fourteen were found to come within the
Council's Points Scheme.
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