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WELFARE SERVICES
MR. S . A . BIODLECOMBE
Chief Welfare Officer
INTRODUCTION
With the transfer of services from the former London County Council Welfare
Department, the full range of social services provided under the National Assistance Act,
1948 (as amended) became the responsibility of the Council. The main provisions are as
follows:-
(a) Residential accommodation for persons in need.
(b) Temporary accommodation for the homeless.
(c) Comprehensive services for the blind, partially sighted, deaf, and other
handicapped persons including special residential accommodation, workshops,
occupational and rehabilitation centres and a full range of domiciliary
services including a casework service.
(d) Domiciliary services for the aged, provided either directly or in cooperation
with voluntary organisations.
(e) Contributions to organisations engaged in promoting the welfare of handicapped
and elderly persons.
(f) Registration and inspection of homes for the disabled and elderly.
(g) Registration of charities for disabled persons.
(h) Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care and attention.
(i) Temporary protection of property of persons admitted to hospitals, etc.
(j) Burial or cremation of persons found dead where no suitable arrangements
have or can be made.
The prime concern on the 1st April, 1965, was the continuity of the services
which it is pleasing to note proceeded smoothly and without disruption.
Certain of the residential properties needed for the services were transferred for
the Council's use for a limited period; however, despite the shortage of accommodation
generally in the borough, progress has been made in the acquisition of replacements. In
addition, plans are now being prepared for two purpose-built homes for the elderly, one at
Yeading Green, Ruislip (92 beds) and one in the Kensal New Town area (60 beds).
Further details regarding each of the above services appear under the appropriate
sections.
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION
A total of 690 persons were in residential homes at the 31st December, 1965 as
follows:-
Borough accommodation 483
Other local authority homes 33
Voluntary Homes 174