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The total mileage travelled in covering all these commitments
amounted to 50,000 (48,000) miles.
The grouping of the Council's schedule of transport needs with
those of Westminster and Camden Councils ceased early in 1968 and all
later commitments were met by using this Council's vehicles and
personnel. The arrangement whereby this Borough may approach the
other two Boroughs and vice versa in an emergency still exists.
In September the responsibility for delivery of meals prepared
at St. George's Hall to Luncheon Clubs within the Borough devolved
to the Welfare Services Section. Since then, the meals have been
delivered to the Clubs concerned three days a week.
WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY
At 1st January, 1968 the number of elderly persons shown on the
register was 4,494. This figure represents an amalgamation of the
register of elderly persons receiving visits from the social welfare
officers and the register of case enquiries. This in effect produces
a register of all old people known to the Department. During the
year 898 new registrations were made and 899 persons were removed
from the register, having either moved from the Borough, died or reregistered
under some other category, i.e. blind, handicapped, etc.
The number of persons remaining on the register at 31st December, 1968
totalled 4,493. The services mentioned in this report were made
available to give support to the elderly in their own homes.
A specially appointed officer co-operates with voluntary
organisations interested in the welfare of elderly people, and in
consequence much additional benefit has been derived by the elderly
residents of the Borough.
Close liaison was maintained with the Old People's Welfare
Committee, of which the Chief Welfare Officer is the Honorary Secretary.
Meals Service
The preparation and supply of meals for old people in Kensington
is carried out at St. George's Hall, Kensington Place, where approximately
1,290 meals a week are prepared, including those supplied to
luncheon clubs. The preparation of meals for delivery in Chelsea is
undertaken from the kitchen at King's Mead old people's home where an
average of 300 meals a week are prepared. Deliveries in both areas
have been effected by volunteer drivers and attendants of the Women's
Royal Voluntary Service. The meals are delivered in a fleet of eight
vans, seven of which are fitted with equipment for keeping the food hot.
The charge to the recipient was 1/- per meal.
The total number of meals supplied was as follows:-
January
6,483
February
8,371
March
6,538
April
6,130
May
7,704
June
6,042
July
8,060
August
6,391
September
6,100
October
8,328
November
6,805
December
5,816
82,768 (80,994)