The Albert Freeman Diaries - 1919 (Missing)
At the end of the First World War in 1918 there was a huge demand for working-class housing in towns throughout Britain. In 1919 Parliament passed the Housing Act often known as the ‘Addison Act' after its author, Dr Christopher Addison, the Minister of Health. which promised government subsidies to help finance the construction of 500,000 houses within three years. However, funding had to be cut due to the weakened economy and less than half of the intended homes were built. The scheme would also include accommodation for the soldiers returning from the war and ‘fit for heroes’. It was a highly significant step forward in making housing a national responsibility.
The local authorities were given the task of developing the new housing and rented accommodation where it was needed by working people.
Further Acts followed during the 1920s and in 1924 substantial grants were made extending the duty of local authorities to carry out the scheme in response to the acute housing shortages, making housing available as a social service.
Albert Freeman’s diaries reveals he was immediately taking action, firstly to progress the purchase of land in areas for Rickmansworth Urban District Council, to beginning planning ‘subsidy houses’ ie the council houses. His commitment is apparent on every level to get the best advice including making several visits to London for meetings.
Albert had also been investigating a row of cottages built 1827, the Berean cottages, in front of All Saints church, as they were now showing signs of outdated facilities. For the interim period these homes when available were let to soldiers at a 1d a week. Local residents remember them being known as Penny Row and Heroes Terrace. They were eventually demolished and a church hall was built for All Saints in 1934.
The local authorities were given the task of developing the new housing and rented accommodation where it was needed by working people.
Further Acts followed during the 1920s and in 1924 substantial grants were made extending the duty of local authorities to carry out the scheme in response to the acute housing shortages, making housing available as a social service.
Albert Freeman’s diaries reveals he was immediately taking action, firstly to progress the purchase of land in areas for Rickmansworth Urban District Council, to beginning planning ‘subsidy houses’ ie the council houses. His commitment is apparent on every level to get the best advice including making several visits to London for meetings.
Albert had also been investigating a row of cottages built 1827, the Berean cottages, in front of All Saints church, as they were now showing signs of outdated facilities. For the interim period these homes when available were let to soldiers at a 1d a week. Local residents remember them being known as Penny Row and Heroes Terrace. They were eventually demolished and a church hall was built for All Saints in 1934.
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CLICK HERE for Albert Freeman Diaries 1918
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CLICK HERE for Albert Freeman Diaries 1920
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