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of property were destroyed with either the patient's consent or with the
approval of the Welfare Committee. Of the total of 233 properties,
182 were satisfactorily resolved, and at 31st December, 1968, there
remained 12 homes under surveillance and the property of 39 people still
remained under care and protection in store.
Burials and Cremations
Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, imposes on the
Council the duty to arrange for the burial or cremation of the body of
any person who has died or been found dead within the Borough where no
suitable arrangements have been, or are being made, for disposal.
During the year under review, the Council became responsible for
the burial of 33 (31) persons. The following is a summary of the
action taken:-
Cases where funeral expenses have
been fully recovered 16 (16)
Cases where part only of the
expenses have been recovered 11 (5)
Cases where the full cost has been
borne by the Council 6 (10)
Cost of burials £909. 2. 0. (£820. 3. 0.)
Amount recovered £705.15. 9. (£564. 4. 0.)
Net cost to the Council £203. 6. 3. (£255.19. 0.)
In addition, 41 burials or cremations were arranged for persons
resident in the Council's homes at the time of death, which are
summarized as follows:-
Cases where funeral expenses have
been fully recovered 22 (16)
Cases where part only of the costs
have been recovered 12 (4)
Cases where the full cost has been
borne by the Council 7 (8)
Cost of burials £1,013. 5. 9. (£712.11. 4.)
Amount recovered £735.14.10. (£466.18. 7.)
Net cost to the Council £277.10.11. (£245.12. 9.)
Settlement of Estates
When 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, 1968, there were 91 estates outstanding. During
the year 180 estates were referred for settlement. 223 estates were
wound up involving receipts and payments of £3,805, and at 31st December,
1968, a total of 48 estates were still in hand.
Receiverships
The Chief Welfare Officer is designated to act as Receiver, by
order of the Court of Protection, of the property of persons who are
deemed to be mentally incapable of managing their own affairs.