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In my report dated 15th October, 1968 on the findings of this survey, I stated that a
conservative estimate of the number of houses in multiple occupation was in the region of
8,000 of which 2,000 were thought likely to be in the 3 or more household category envisaged
by the new legislation.
As this exercise covered the whole borough and was not so detailed as the survey under
review, its findings cannot be related to a particular area or areas for the purpose of formulating
a scheme of registration and control. Much more detailed information will be required, and it
will be necessary to carry out further fact finding surveys in areas known to contain a concentration
of multiple occupation. Their scope and practicability will be limited to the staff
available.
As stated in the above mentioned report, to overtake arrears of cases of multiple
occupation revealed by the survey and requiring detailed investigation, to keep abreast of new
cases arising and to pursue a vigorous follow-up procedure would, in my opinion, require the
full time services, for an indefinite period, of at least 4 Inspectors.
15. OCCUPATION OF HOUSES BY IMMIGRANTS
The number of dwelling units in the survey area occupied by immigrants was 81 (6.4%)
comprising 88 families and 424 persons. By far the greater proportion of immigrants (76.5%)
were found to own their own houses. This can perhaps be accounted for by the fact that
immigrants experience difficulty in obtaining accommodation at a reasonable rental; the outgoings
resulting from the purchase of sub-standard property are possibly not greatly in excess
of exhorbitantrents they are obliged to pay for furnished accommodation which more often than
not is the only type of letting available; immigrants often share the financial burden of house
purchase by joint mortgage/ownership.
The survey did not produce any substantial evidence of squalor or housing stress
among the immigrant population in the area.
Aggregations of property owned and/or occupied by immigrants is the natural outcome of
people of similar backgrounds, customs and language being drawn together; the number of
immigrant pupils in the schools is a reliable indicator of the districts where such areas of
occupation are to be found.
The estimated immigrant population in the borough is in the region of 20,000 situated
mostly in the catchment area of schools in Walthamstow and Leyton.
16. WORK POTENTIAL - IMPROVEMENT GRANTS/QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATES
The number of controlled tenancies with comparatively low rents is quite high, 448
dwelling units (63.8%). The low income derived from these properties is reflected in the poor
standard of maintenance, repair and lack of basic facilities.
Increasing owner occupation will undoubtedly result in a general improvement in maintenance
of property in the area. It is hoped that the added financial inducements under the new
Act will provide the necessary incentive to owners in the private sector to improve their property
in order to qualify for higher rents resulting from conversion of controlled tenancies to regulated
tenancies. Assuming that owners and occupiers in the survey area were to take advantage of
the provisions contained in the new Act, the number of potential applications for standard grants
under Section 9, or special grants under Section 13/15 is 957, and the number of potential
applications for 'Qualification Certificates' under Part III is 448. It will be interesting to see
how this works out in practice after a trial period.
- 37 - B.J.Ashcroft
Chief Public Health Inspector