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Settlement of Estates
If a person dies intestate, the local authority is required to
arrange the settlement of the estate, provided they have been actively
engaged in the provision of services arising from the National
Assistance Act, 1948. Such work is carried out in consultation
with the Treasury Solicitor.
On 1st January, 1967, there were seventy-six estates outstanding.
During the year 118 estates were referred for settlement. 103
estates were wound up involving receipts and payments of £3,578,
and at 31st December, 1967, a total of 91 estates were still in hand.
Receiverships
The Chief Welfare Officer is the designated person to act as
Receiver, by order of the Court of Protection, on behalf of persons
who are deemed to be mentally incapable of managing their own affairs.
The duties of the Receiver are defined by the terms of the
Court's order and vary in each case. They are usually connected
with the day to day administration of the patients' income and
welfare, making lodgment into Court of capital monies, the purchase
of investment bonds, paying outstanding debts, and arranging for the
safe custody of securities. The Receiver has to account annually to
the Court of Protection for his action on behalf of the patients. He
is also required to take a personal interest in the welfare of patients,
to advise and assist them where possible, to be restored to the
management of their own affairs, and to submit to the Chief Clerk of
the Court any proposals within the patients' means which are likely
to ameliorate their condition or add to their comfort.
At 1st January, 1967, there were eight persons for whom the
Chief Welfare Officer was appointed as Receiver. During the year
one person died, leaving a total of seven Receivership cases with a
gross estimated value of £14,707.12, 2d and for whom a total sum of
£2,802. 6. 6d was disbursed during the year. Application for
Receivership Orders have been made to the Court of Protection in two
further instances, and one case has been referred to the Official
Solicitor.
Removal to Suitable Premises of Persons in Need of Care and Attention
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, and the
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, powers are given to the
local authority for the compulsory removal of persons suffering from
grave chronic disease, or who are aged, infirm or physically handicapped
and who are living in insanitary conditions and unable to devote to
themselves, or are not receiving from other persons, proper care and
attention.