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16
Housing.
The pre-occupation of the department in relation to Housing
may be divided into two spheres:—
(a) the immediate housing needs: and
(b) post-war housing, including the clearance of unhealthy
areas.
The general standard of houses occupied by the working classes
in this the fifth year of war, has deteriorated; and the reasons for
this are many and varied.
Ministry of Health Circulars provided evidence that the central
authority was aware of the critical and serious position that had
developed during the war years, and within certain limits they were
prepared to assist local authorities in the urgent task of ameliorating
the unsatisfactory housing conditions now existing. Ministry of
Health Circulars 2828 and 2828a sought to initiate a scheme of
priority for the repair and maintenance of houses, but no great
advance was made until the issue of Circulars 2845 and 2871.
Circular 2845 gave local authorities the power to requisition
houses for families inadequately housed, and Circular 2871 made
provision for securing protection for the labour employed on repairs,
at the same time imposing conditions whereby certain types of work
were regarded as essential. Financial limitations were imposed,
but these were subsequently improved by Circular 9/44.
The department has made every effort to use the new powers to
provide additional accommodation, and at the time of writing 50
premises had been requisitioned and repaired. Every effort has
also been made to keep in reasonably habitable condition the many
occupied houses.
Reference to statistics will show that there has been no diminution
in housing repairs, but the details given of work carried out
by the Council in owners' default will indicate the difficulties
experienced in operating the Housing Act.
Post-War Housing.
Plans for post-war housing are proceeding, and the necessary
building sites are being acquired. But a major problem confronts
the Council here in deciding for what purposes the limited number
of acquired sites are to be made available.