View report page

27
HOUSING PROBLEMS.
The normal routine work of making house-to-house surveys in
accordance with the directions laid down in the Housing Regulations,
the service of notices for reconditioning and the closure or demolition
of unfit buildings, has of necessity been held up owing to the exigencies
of War. As a result, a considerable amount of disrepair of property
has accumulated owing to lack of man-power and building materials.
In spite of these difficulties 763 houses were visited under the
powers of the Housing Acts during the year, and urgent sanitary or
housing defects were reported for treatment. Much delay has taken
place in the execution of necessary work because of War-time
conditions.
The destruction of houses by enemy action, restrictions on the
amount that can be spent on their repair, and problems arising out of
evacuation and the consequent re-distribution of population, have
thrown a severe strain on all types of dwelling accommodation
throughout the area: there has been a great increase in subletting,
and in overcrowding.
Acute housing shortage has resulted in the deferring of the slumclearance
programme and of the provision of more houses for aged
persons, both of which, up to the outbreak of hostilities, were making
headway. In addition, the curtailment of housing repairs and
maintenance generally has been fraught with serious results and a
further lowering of hygienic standards.
The past achievement of the Council in the provision of housing
accommodation has resulted in 966 houses and flats having been
erected between the years 1895 and 1939 at a cost of £503,166 19s. Od.
At the request of the Health and Housing Committee and the
Post-War Reconstruction Committee I prepared a 'Survey of Housing
Needs' and submitted a report dated August, 1944 which was later
considered by both Committees of the Council.
Accompanying the Report were plans showing the areas meriting
consideration for 'clearance' or 're-development.'
Though only incorporated 54 years ago, Richmond contains many