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done to them to warrant their exclusion from these lists. On the other hand,
there may be some in which deterioration has been that much more rapid
than in others that although they were relatively that much better in 1938,
they are that much worse now and might be calling for early attention.
"Most of these houses were put up about the same time and were, it
seems, of much the same standard of initial construction. That suggests that
as some of them have already been found to be incapable of repair
none can now have a very long life. But the standards at which the different
houses have been maintained have varied enormously. Some being owneroccupied
have had quite careful attention; others have had very extensive
repairs and renovations carried out. There may be up to 40 of these houses
whose condition to-day is sufficiently satisfactory that they can be expected
to be suitable for habitation for many years."
Overcrowding.
At the beginning of the year, 275 families were known to be living
in overcrowded conditions. During the year 90 new cases were learned
of; but in 140 instances, the overcrowding ceased. The number of
families known to be living in accommodation which by the standards
of the Housing Act was overcrowded at the end of the year was 229.
In 68 instances the overcrowding was abated by the rehousing of
the family in Council Houses, and in a further eight by families being rehoused
by the Council in requisitioned property.
Of the new cases of overcrowding learned of during the year, 43
occurred because married children had continued to live with their
parents, and 33 were brought about by the natural increase in the size of
the family. In eight households the overcrowding was brought about by
the acceptance of lodgers who were related to the principal tenants and
in a further two by the acceptance of lodgers who were not related. Four
houses were let so as to be overcrowded.
At the end of the year there was one family living in accommodation
which was overcrowded by 4 units, two families were overcrowded by
31/2 units, nine by 3 units, five by 21/2 units, 16 by 2 units, 28 by 11/2 units,
78 by one unit, and 89 families were living in accommodation which was
overcrowded by one half unit.
Provision of new Houses.
By the end of 1952 the total number of new permanent and temporary
dwellings completed and handed over for occupation since the
end of the war was 1,907.
There is now so little land left in this district available as sites for
houses to be erected whether by the Council or by private enterprise
that particular interest attaches to any housing development which might
be available to those now living in this district.
The New Towns Act, 1946, made provision for the erection of 14
new towns. Eight of these are in the Greater London Area. Each
provides for an expansion ranging from the 13,000 at Hatfield to the