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31
SECTIOND.
HOUSING.
Apart from further looses due to enemy action, the
housing situation did not change materially during 1944,
compared with the previous year. The general appreciation
of the position which was given in the last Annual Report
is still applicable.
Owing to the extensive damage to dwelling houses
and to other well known circonstances, there was an increased
demand for accommodation during the year. Evcry
effort was made to bring hack into early use damaged houscs
and all available and suitable properties were requisitioned
to rehouse displaced families.
Reference has already been made to the assistance
given in the work of war damage repairs, but another and no
less important form of help has been that of visiting
housing applicants in their homes in order that their
needs may be fairly assessed. This procedure has been
followed in this Borough for many years and it is of interest
to note that the Ministry of Health now recommend
it for general adoption. It is important that the investigations
should be made by an. officer with wide experience
of housing conditions and one who possesses a
sympathetic but clear understanding of the position and
requirements.
It is believed that the reports submitted have proved
of assistance to the Housing Committee in their very difficult
task of selection of tenants.