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WELFARE SERVICES
Mr. S.A. Biddlecombe
Chief Welfare Officer
The duties and powers of the local welfare authority are contained
in the National Assistance Act, 1948, as amended; the main provisions
of which are as follows:-
(a) Residential accommodation for persons in need of
care and attention.
(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,
holidays and other amenities, and a full range of
domiciliary services, including a casework service.
(d) Domiciliary services for the aged, provided either
directly or in co-operation 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) Removal to suitable premises of persons in need
of care and attention.
(h) Temporary protection of property of persons
admitted to hospital, etc.
(i) Burial or cremation of persons found dead when no
suitable arrangements have been, or can be, made.
Progress has been made in the acquisition and adaptation of
replacement properties for the short-stay accommodation provided at
Lorrimore Square, Southwark, also the additional properties required
for this service.
Details of the six premises planned for use as homeless
family accommodation are contained in the report.
The Ten-Year Flan submitted to the Ministry makes provision
for the increasing need for residential accommodation and the
replacement of King's Mead (which is expected to be vacated during
1970/71).
The proposed new homes are as follows:-