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Housing Division
Reference was made in the previous annual report of the urgent need for
additional elderly person's dwellings and that the Council had instructed the Borough
Architect and Planning Officer to proceed as quickly as possible. During 1970 efforts
have been made to organise sites for such development and schemes are now being
prepared by the Borough Architect and Planning Officer for elderly persons in Cheam,
Sutton and Carshalton. Discussions are also taking place with Housing Associations to
further augment the provision of this type of accommodation throughout the borough.
On the retirement of the Director of Health and Family Services on 31st
December, 1970 and the introduction of a Social Services Department, the Council
decided to reconstitute the Housing Division as a separate department as from 1st
January, 1971, with the housing functions rent collection remaining with the Borough
Treasurer and repairs and maintenance with the Borough Architect and Planning Officer.
New Properties
During 1970, 477 (573) properties were completed. These were at Durand
Close, Carshalton and at Roundshaw, Wallington.
Total Number of Properties
The total number of properties owned by the Council and let by the Housing
Division as at 31st December, 1970 was 5,628 (5,151).
Building Programme
Building operations proceeded in the year under review at Benhill Avenue,
Sutton, and will provide 429 properties for letting in 1971 and 1972.
A second contract for the building of a residential home and accommodation
for the elderly people will follow on an adjoining site at Benhill Avenue.
The Greater London Council are also developing the land at Shanklin Road,
Belmont, formerly prefabricated bungalows, and providing 426 units. Negotiations are
proceeding with the Greater London Council to acquire nomination rights for approximately
150 units.
Housing Waiting List
At 31st December, 1970 there were 2,239 (1,868) on the housing waiting list
of which 585 were from elderly persons.
Lettings, Mutual Exchanges and Transfers
During 1970, 593 (725) were completed and 153 (43) mutual exchanges and
transfers were arranged.
Rehousing from Clearance and Re-development Areas
During the year 1970 there were 11 families rehoused to provide the closing
of accommodation in Clearance and Redevelopment Areas.
Housing of Special Cases
During 1970, 71 applicants were rehoused under powers vested in the Director
of Health and Family Services on medical grounds and 42 applicants were rehoused being
families in urgent need of accommodation.
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