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of laundry were made under this scheme, and the number of
articles cleansed totalled twelve thousand and thirty-three.
Library Facilities
The Libraries Committee co-operate in providing books
for old people confined to their homes. The circulation of
the books is effected by the Women's Voluntary Services mobile
library.
Chiropody
During the year, the Council made a grant of £96 to the
Kensington Council of Social Service for the purpose of enabling
the provision of a chiropody service for house-bound old people.
All patients are referred by the Medical Officer of
Health to the Council of Social Service which administers the
financial aspect of the scheme. The British Red Cross Society
arrange the treatments, including providing the chiropodists
and making the appointments.
The total number of persons treated under the home
chiropody scheme was two hundred and thirty-five and the number
of treatments given was five hundred and seventeen.
Meals Service
The arrangements for meals either delivered to old people
in their homes or in canteens were continued with great
success by the Women's Voluntary Services in conjunction with
Kensington Communal Kitchens.
The Women's Voluntary Services undertake the work of
verifying the bona fides of applicants, arrange delivery of
meals at the homes of old people and collect the money (8d.
per meal). The Kensington Communal Services Committee supply
the meals and the vehicles for delivery.

It will be observed that the number of meals served is
growing and that the net cost is substantial. Up to 1952/53
the deficiencies had been met by the Kensington Communal Services
Committee. Under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, the Council have power to make grants to voluntary bodies
undertaking the supply of meals to old people, and grants of
£200 for 1953/54 and £300 for 1954/55 were made to the Kensington
Communal Services.