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Other boroughs operate similar holiday schemes and the contributions
made by old people in those boroughs are mostly higher than in Kensingtonin
some cases the full cost of the holiday is charged to the old people.
The Council formed the opinion that old people in Kensington should
be asked to make contributions more in line with those in neighbouring
boroughs. If the contributions were increased, more people could be sent
on holiday each year at the same net cost to the Council, which would enable
the waiting list to be reduced to a minimum. There is little variation in
the incomes of old people who apply for a holiday (especially old age
pensioners with supplementary allowances), and it was believed that if
contributions were fixed at a definite amount instead of being based on
income, more people equally in need of a holiday would apply, particularly
those who, through a feeling of pride, will not now apply for what they
regard as a "charitable holiday
From experience gained during the seven years the scheme has been
in force, it was thought that old people could be expected to pay a reasonable
contribution towards an annual holiday. A charge of £2 per week was fixed
by the Council and, as a result, it was estimated that one hundred and eight
old people, instead of sixty-seven, could be sent away at the same net cost
to the Council. An elderly person must apply for a holiday to the Medical
Officer of Health, who investigates the applicant's circumstances. If the
application is approved, it is referred to the Family Welfare Association,
who make all the arrangements for the holiday, the net cost being borne by
the Council.
During 1959, bookings were made at two holiday resorts, Southsea
and Ramsgate. Private coaches were hired to take the old people to and
from these towns, and convenient assembly points in the borough arranged.
The Family Welfare Association undertook the work, including the bookings at
the holiday homes and the hire of the coaches, and the Council paid towards
their administrative expenses the sum of 5s. for each person (or man or wife)
for whom a holiday was arranged.
The following is a summary of work carried out in 1959:-
Total applications received 128
Unsuitable on medical grounds 4
Referred to other organisations 3
Subsequently withdrawn 16 23
Number sent to Lennox House, Southsea 41
Number sent to Ramsgate 64
Cost of holidays?
Board and lodging fees and fares £981. 18s. 4d.
Booking fees paid to Family
Welfare Association 22. 15s. od.
£1,004. 13s. 4d.
Less contributions by applicants 416. 8s. 0d.
Actual cost to the Council £588. 5s. 4d.
In each case the holiday was for a period of two weeks and many
letters of appreciation have been received from the old people concerned;
all those participating expressed their utmost satisfaction when seen by
the woman health officer on their return.
Domiciliary Cleansing
Arrangements have been made whereby old people's living
accommodation and household articles are cleansed and, if necessary,
disinfested. Eleven old people were dealt with in 1959.