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(3) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which
Demolition Orders were made 5
(4) Number of dwelling-houses demolished in pursuance
of Demolition Orders 2
The shortage of houses in this area is still very acute, and
this naturally aggravates to a great extent overcrowding.
Although a number of houses have been erected during the
past few years by the Council and private enterprise, the number
has not been nearly sufficient to alleviate to any extent the prevailing
overcrowding. Daily requests are received for increased
or better housing accommodation. A great handicap in the provision
of new houses is the dearth of building sites in the borough.
There are approximately 3,000 houses where overcrowding exists.
In most cases the houses in this district are of the terrace
type, but the standard varies considerably. Some of the property
(averaging 50-70 years old) is in such a bad condition that it is
well nigh impossible to put the houses into a reasonably habitable
condition. There are approximately 33,500 houses in a reasonable
state of repair, 15,000 houses require considerable repair, and 300
houses in bad repair.
Housing Act, 1930.
Following on the completion of the survey preparatory to the
formulation of the five years programme for submission to the
Ministry, it became necessary thoroughly to examine in detail 689
selected houses and to take a census of their occupants in order
that action under Part 1 or Part 2 of the Housing Act, 1930 could
be decided upon. This work involved the expenditure of a considerable
amount of time, and certain dislocation of the inspectorate
from their ordinary duties, and has not yet, of course, produced
visible results. A scheme for the clearance of a large area comprising
nearly 200 houses was under the consideration of the
Council at the year end.
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