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Two hydraulic tail-lift coaches with drivers, are provided by the
Council to transport the handicapped to and from the Centre.
The work of the Kensington Day Centre makes a valuable contribution
to the services provided by the Council and is greatly appreciated.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT
Determination of Liability of the Local Authority
Section 32 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, provides that the
local authority in whose area a person is "ordinarily resident" shall
be responsible for the cost of assistance provided by any other local
authority. Cases of disagreement are determined by the Minister of the
Department of Health and Social Security. It has not been necessary to
refer any cases for arbitration to the Minister, and all cases in doubt
have been amicably resolved.
Registration and Inspection of Voluntary and Private Homes for the Aged
and Infirm
The National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 26, enables local
authorities to make use of accommodation for aged and infirm persons
in homes established and maintained by voluntary organisations.
Section 37 provides for the inspection and registration of such homes
including those establishments run in a private capacity. The main
requirements are that the homes shall be satisfactory in regard to
situation, construction, repair, cleanliness, equipment and staffing.
There should be adequate rooms, toilets and bathroom facilities for
the number accommodated, and the homes should be conducted to provide
such services and facilities as may be considered reasonable for the
people using them.
At the 31st December, 1.969, there were registered with the Council
fifteen voluntary homes providing 723 beds, and one privately run home
providing eight beds.
Additionally, however, one home in the Borough is registered as a
nursing home, and by virtue of an agreement between this home and the
former London County Council that a maximum of eight beds would be
available for Part III cases, this Council is currently using four
beds.
Care and Protection of Property
Section 48 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, requires the Council
to undertake responsibility for the care and protection of moveable
property of persons admitted to hospital, residential accommodation or
place of safety under an order of the Court where it appears there is
danger of loss or damage, and where no other suitable arrangements are
being or can be made.
As at 1st January, 1969, the property of 39 people was being stored,
and in twelve instances houses and flats had been secured against
unauthorised entry. During the year 155 (175) cases were dealt with.
It was possible to trace relatives in forty cases and arrange for them
to accept responsibility. The property of 15 people was sent to the
hospitals in which they were patients. Of the remainder, 46 patients'
belongings were taken into store, 20 premises were secured (there being
no moveable property), and 16 lots of property were destroyed with
either the patient's consent or with the approval of the Welfare Committee.
Of the total of 206 properties, 172 were satisfactorily resolved, and at
31st December, 1969. there remained six homes under surveillance and the
property of 28 people still remained under care and protection in store.