No_2_April_and_May__1939 — Page 42

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Hong Kong Builder

THE HOUSING REVOLUTION

Since the Armistice, Great Britain has accomplished a feat never performed by any nation in previous history. More than one-third of its inhabitants are living in homes built within the last 20 years.

This has been done by a combination of public spirit expressed in legislation and the efficiency of all sections of the building trade in a series of stupendous efforts. Building was practically suspended during the war and a shortage of houses accumulated. Costs of labour and material were so high after the Armistice that the normal inducements to house erection failed and the State had to intervene. The first legislation was known as the "Addison" Acts of 1919. These Acts provided State subsidies, but at first they were not too successful, as they imposed excessive burdens upon the taxpayers. Some measure of relief, however, came with the Housing Act of 1923, supplemented by the "Wheatley" Act of 1924, and perceptible progress began to be made towards the removal of the housing shortage. But still the problem of unfit and overcrowded houses remained. It was not until an Act passed in 1930 to provide addi- tional State funds for slum clearance that a start was made on this equally difficult and serious problem. Even so, nothing substantial was done until the Conversion Scheme arranged by the National Government after coming to office in 1931 led to a reduction in the rates of interest. Money became cheaper. Borrowing for build- ing purposes was encouraged.

That cheapening of money was an indispensable spur to the successful efforts made to remove slums and to erect houses. So much so, that contractors were able to do without State assistance to build at practically the same rents as the subsidised houses of 1924. Private enterprise, in fact, was in competition-successful com- petition with the subsidised building of local authorities, and the Government finally decided to free the industry from subsidies. Subsidies in future are to be confined to agricultural cottages and the abolition of slums and overcrowded dwellings. This decision was ratified in the Act of 1933. Since then practically every housing record has been broken. In the twelve months ending September, 1937, the stupendous total of 337,000 houses were erected in England and Wales, which was the number of 1930.

In the eighteen years prior to September, 1937, 3,750,000 houses were built in Great Britain, accommoda- ting 15,000,000 people, that is, one-third of the popula- tion. Some 2,600,000 houses were built by private enter- prise, while local authorities were responsible for about 1,150,000. Since September, 1937, more than another 100.000 houses have been built, the exact figures not being yet available.

Although in the nature of things those extraordinary efforts will not be continued indefinitely, the figures give no indication that the rate of erection has been slowing down of recent years. Of the 337,000 houses erected in the year ending September, 1937, more than 300,000, or nearly 90 per cent., were for working people, having a rateable value of less than £26 (£35 in Greater London). And during this year a record total of 142,000 houses were built to let.

Perhaps one of the most pleasing feature of housing extension in recent years has been the Five-year Cam- paign against the slums initiated in April, 1933. The original idea was to demolish 280,000 unfit houses in England and Wales, and to build 290,000 replacements to accommodate 1,300,000 slum dwellers. Since then

extensions to the scheme cover the building of over 400,000 new houses. Although some feeble attempts had been previously made to provide decent dwellings for those who lived in slums, they were insignificant compared with the recent achievements. During the 45 years pre- ceding 1919, the average number of slum dwellers who were rehoused was only 2,000 a year. During 1920 to 1930 some 5,000 a year were accomodated. Between October, 1930, and March, 1933, accommodation for slum dwellers was provided at the rate of 15,000 a year. But since the Five-year Campaign was launched in April, 1933, up to the end of 1937, 44 years, 175,000 new houses were built providing accommodation for 300,000 slum dwellers, this being at the rate of 160,000 a year, in other words, more than four times as many as were dealt with during the previous 60 years. To this total must be added 43,000 houses accommodating nearly 200,000 slum dwellers in Scotland-altogether one million people re- housed in less than five years! And more slum dwellers are now moving into decent homes at the rate of 25,000 a month. Nor have been forgotten the people whose incomes necessitate low rents the agricultural workers.

Under the 1938 programme, also, provision has been made for another 330,000 houses or flats. Therefore, although much has been done, still more building is to be encouraged by the State for years to come.

From "Building"

Shell House, Thames Embankment