1959-1960 — Page 21

over 30,000 completed forms returned. Simultaneously, an overhaul of the register was carried out in order to ascertain how many applications registered before May 1959, were still 'live' and how many applicants wished to be considered for tenancies at So Uk. As can be imagined, this was a major operation, involving the scrutiny of many thousands of applications, but it proved well worth while in cutting down unneces- sary correspondence and visiting. Of the 11,581 applications outstand- ing when the general register closed, 5,725 indicated an interest in So Uk, and 8,534 new applications were received, a total of 14,259.

49. By the end of the year over 5,000 of the outstanding applications for So Uk had been visited, and in consequence some 1,300 passed on to the estate office for preliminary interview. Interviewing is being stepped up, in order that allocations can be made for the first flats expected in May 1960. Nearly 90% of those called for preliminary interview responded, but until firm allocations are made it will not be known how many indicating interest can be fitted in. It is anticipated, however, that at least 10,000 families must be visited to provide tenants for the 5,000 flats which will be ready by the end of 1961. Applications are still being received at the rate of about 650 a month.

50. The number of applications received has always been high (19,137 were outstanding on 31st March, 1960), but until flats of suitable size and rent are available and offers made it is not possible to gauge how far the needs of those who have applied can be satisfied. Experience has shown that applicants frequently misunderstand the Authority's insistence that a flat should be sufficiently large to provide space on the basis of at least 35 sq. ft. per person (children under 10 years of age counting as halves) when it is first occupied. This often causes disappointment to families who had hoped that one of the lowest-rented flats would be made available to them, irrespective of the size of family. This, and the frequent changes of the individual particulars of families, involves much time, as does the visiting of families prior to allocation. After occupation, family circumstances change, and transfers and exchanges are arranged to solve these problems. In fact during the past year 47 tenants have been more suitably housed within the estates. The 44 vacancies which have occurred have been suitably filled.

ESTATE MANAGEMENT

51. Great importance has been attached to the management of the Authority's estates in order to ensure that the buildings retain their

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