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(b) is, in relation to the number and floor area of the rooms of which the
house consists, in excess of the permitted number of persons as
defined in the Sixth Schedule to this Act."
It is of interest to note that sub-section (a) refers to persons of opposite sexes who MUST
sleep in the same room, and not to persons who DO. In other words if it is possible, by rearrangement,
for the sexes to be separated then statutory overcrowding would not exist.
The general standard whereby all rooms are taken into account is a low one, but in
present day conditions it is unlikely that the standard of taking into account only the bedrooms
will come into operation.
Lack of Amenities
In addition to the hazard of overcrowding which exists in dwellings let to multiple families,
lack of amenity is a feature which makes this type of letting undesirable. It is not uncommon
for the multi-let dwelling, let as such by the owner, to have separate water supply and cooking
facilities for each letting. The dwelling which is sub-let by the tenant, however, is usually
without these facilities. These houses are often decontrolled and sub-letting becomes an
economic necessity. Fear of eviction is a factor which deters occupiers from complaining.
Rehousing on Medical Grounds
The Council's points system for assessing priority for rehousing makes some allowance on
grounds of ill health, but it is recognised that the effect of unsatisfactory housing conditions on
the medical conditions of some applicants may warrant special consideration by the Housing
Lettings Sub-Committee. To meet this need arrangements exist for the Housing Manager to
forward to the Medical Officer of Health details of housing applications where medical evidence
has been submitted supporting the need for rehousing. These cases are then visited and an
assessment made of the medical grounds and the amount of priority which could be recommended,
special regard being given to the relationship of housing to the disease and the prevention of
infection of others.
Whilst in a large proportion of the medical cases a decision can be made without reservation
whether or not to recommend the application for medical priority, others are less easily determined.
Particularly difficult are the cases of mental ill health for most families living in cramped and
difficult housing conditions are subject to mental stress and care is taken to ensure that
priority over other deserving cases is not given unless the medical aspect can be clearly
established. When any doubt exists and it is not possible to give unqualified support for
medical priority, the facts are placed before the Sub-Committee for their consideration and
decision.
Needs of Special Classes
(a) Physically Handicapped. The needs of physically handicapped persons are best catered
for in the design and provision of new housing. Such dwellings may require purpose designed
corridors and rooms with wide doorways free from sharp turns and floors which are of one level
with ramps in place of steps. These facilities are particularly desirable where the handicapped
person has to operate a wheel chair. In certain cases purpose made fitments may be necessary,
e.g., baths with facilities for easy entry and exit. Accommodation in all such cases should be
on the ground floor.
(b) Aged Persons. Provisions of housing for aged persons is the subject of much controversy,
should they be segregated or not. A balanced community would seem the most desirable and