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146
ever, only 58 families were accepted by the Housing Committee
compared with 86 in 1969 and this reduction is reflected in the
rise in the number of families remaining in care.
During the course of the year the use of "Summercourt" as a
reception centre for families ceased in favour of a smaller property
at 18 Charlton Road, and for a short period the larger centre
was placed at the disposal of the Welfare Department of the
London Borough of Lewisham. In late November "Summercourt''
was handed back to the Greater London Council who subsequently
demolished the property.
A further change in policy, i.e., the closure of the main block
at 158A Plumstead High Street and the replacement of the family
units with individual housing properties rented from the Housing
Department, was partially effected. However, the rise in the
number of families in care and the slow rate at which housing
properties became available made the full implementation of the
new policy impossible.
Homeless Families Accommodation—Statistics
Application for Admission (1st January—31st December, 1970,
Number of Applications* 299
Number accepted into Residence 150
* Excludes numerous preliminary enquiries not amounting tc
applications.