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58
In Circular 1238, issued in January, 1932, the Minister suggests
that Local Authorities should concentrate their efforts on the provision
of houses of this type and not exceeding the size mentioned in the
previous paragraph; and expressed the hope that this concentration
would lead to the provision by private enterprise, without subsidy,
of houses of other types.
The two main objects of the policy indicated in this Circular
are:—
(1) The concentration of the activities of the Local Authorities
on the provision of houses to let at the lowest possible
rents, and
(2) The encouragement of private enterprise to build the
larger houses.
Some Local Authorities with lengthy housing experience find it
possible to build a suitable three bedroomed non-parlour type house
with a superficial area considerably below 760 square feet.
The Ministry points out that larger houses will only be approved
in special cases, but on the other hand a reasonable number of
two bedroomed non-parlour type houses with a superficial area not
exceeding 650 square feet may in some cases be justified.
The provision of new houses should be limited to the number
required to meet the urgent need of applicants with children who
are living under overcrowded conditions or in insanitary houses, and
whose financial position is such that they cannot obtain the necessary
accommodation in the absence of provision by the Local Authority.
Circular 1238 clearly requires that the Local Authority should
pay regard not so much to the rent, paying capacity of tenants as
to the need of removing unhealthy conditions.
At the same time, it is correct that a subsidised rent should only
be enjoyed by those who really need it.
Furthermore, the Ministry indicates that, so far as possible,
accommodation should be rationed in accordance with the needs
of the occupants (for example, three-bedroomed houses should
not be allocated to tenants whose families have left them) and that
in general such elasticity should be used in the management of the
houses as will enable these objects to be secured.
The Ministry's Report further suggests that the utmost economy
must be secured in the selection and lay-out of site, and the planning
and building of houses.