View report page

36
SECTION D—HOUSING
The nomal work of making routine house-to-house surveys
in accordance with the directions laid down in the Housing
Regulations has been much curtailed as a result of the War. The
extreme shortage of labour and of materials has brought almost
to a standstill the service of notices for reconditioning and the
closure or demolition of houses found to be unfit. Under these
circumstances ,all classes of property in the Borough have,
naturally fallen into a state of progressive disrepair.
In spite of these difficulties, 111 houses were inspected under
the powers of the Housing Act, 1936, and all urgent sanitary or
housing defects were abated.
In addition, one Closing Order, in respect of part of a
building unfit for human habitation, has been made and enforced.
There is still considerable delay in the carrying out of work
called for by notices.
The number of cases of overcrowding in the Borough is
still on the increase, and there are many cases of houses occupied
by two or three families (e.g. parents accommodating married
sons or daughters and their families), which while they do not
constitute legal over-crowding, are very near to the sanitary limits
and must lead to exceedingly uncomfortable conditions—as when
several families use the same kitchen facilities and share the same
living-room.
BILLETING AND EVACUATION
At the end of 1946 there were 8 elderly people remaining
in billets in the area.
Those were people who were rendered homeless by enemy
action and who have not yet been provided with alternative
accommodation by the Authorities in whose area they originally
lived.
It is expected that the billeting arrangements will cease early
in 1947,